Manchester City, the current Champions of Europe, are all set to vie for the title of ‘Champions of the World’ in this edition of the FIFA Club World Cup tournament, which is currently underway and organized in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In the current edition, only seven teams are participating in the tournament. However, starting from the next FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 in the United States, a redesigned format will allow 32 teams to participate. Notably, Manchester City’s star, Mateo Kovacic could achieve a remarkable feat that even the likes of Messi and Ronaldo haven’t.
Potential record Mateo Kovacic likely to set at Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup is the pinnacle of club soccer tournaments—a competition where champions from each confederation’s Champions League directly qualify to compete for the title of world champion in this unique event.
In this edition, the seven participating teams are Manchester City (Europe), Fluminense (South America), Auckland City (Oceania), Al-Ahly (Africa), Urawa Red Diamonds (Asia), and Al-Ittihad, who qualified as the hosts.
Following the most successful season in their club’s history, the treble-winning Manchester City arrived in Saudi Arabia to compete for the last piece of silverware missing from their trophy cabinet. The English champions will face the Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds, the Asian champions, in the second semi-final on Tuesday, December 19.
City boss Pep Guardiola had discussed his team’s disappointing results in the Premier League before their crucial clash later tonight. Nevertheless, they remain the favorites to lift the trophy.
The Croatian international, Mateo Kovacic, is well familiar with the competition, having previously won the Club World Cup title thrice with Real Madrid and Chelsea. Now, the midfielder has the opportunity to extend his tally by leading the Citizens to the title.
Interestingly, Kovacic could become the first-ever player to lift the accolade with three different sides.
How many clubs has Mateo Kovacic played for?
Mateo Kovacic is regarded as one of the most technically skilled midfielders across Europe. The 29-year-old recently made a significant switch to Manchester City in a £30 million deal from fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea after spending five seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Kovacic signed a four-year deal with Pep Guardiola’s side and has emerged as one of their pivotal players in sky-blue colors this season.
In his illustrious career, the Croatian has played for renowned clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Dynamo Zagreb, winning numerous trophies and titles with each of them.
Notably, Mateo Kovacic boasts four UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cup victories, a La Liga title, and Europa League medals. He is also a UEFA Super Cup winner with three different clubs. Additionally, with the national team, he achieved the runner-up medal in the 2018 World Cup final in Russia.
