Newcastle United will not be competing at the FIFA Club World Cup, but some of their former players are set to take part.
The newly expanded competition begins this weekend, with the 2025 Club World Cup beginning on 14th June when Al Ahly face Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
For the first time ever, 32 teams from across the world will compete for the Club World Cup, with Manchester City and Chelsea the two Premier League representatives.
PIF partnering with FIFA for the Club World Cup is as close as Newcastle United get to being involved, while there are four former Toon players who are going to be part of the action in America.
Lloyd Kelly
One year ago Lloyd Kelly was joining Newcastle United on a free transfer. Now he is part of Juventus’ Club World Cup squad. The defender has been on loan at Juve and will officially join them permanently for £20million on June 30th.
The 26-year-old will hope to make a big impression, amid recent reports that Juventus could already look to sell Kelly.
His side are in Group G, where they will take on Manchester City, Wydad AC and Al Ain.
- Al Ain vs Juventus, 18th June, 9pm EDT
- Juventus vs Wydad AC, 22nd June, 12pm EDT
- Juventus vs Manchester City, 26th June, 3pm EDT
Kenedy and Salomon Rondon
Signed twice on loan by Rafa Benitez in 2018, former Newcastle United winger Kenedy will be at the Club World Cup with Mexican side Pachuca. The Brazilian joined Pachuca on loan as recently as 20th May, where he has reunited with Salomon Rondon.
The former Newcastle United number nine also represents Pachuca, having joined them on a permanent deal in December 2023.
Having played together at St James’ Park under Benitez, Kenedy and Rondon are now set to take on Real Madrid, Al-Hilal and Red Bull Salzburg in Group H.
- Pachuca vs Red Bull Salzburg, 18th June, 6pm EDT
- Real Madrid vs Pachuca, 22nd June, 3pm EDT
- Al-Hilal vs Pachuca, 26th June, 8pm CDT
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Also competing in Group H is Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is Al-Hilal’s main striker after joining them for £46million in 2023.
Mitrovic was a cult hero for Newcastle United, but his goal record in black and white was far from outstanding. Fortunately for him, he had no such issues at Fulham and has been even more prolific since moving to Saudi Arabia.
The Serbia international has scored 68 goals in 79 appearances for PIF-owned Al-Hilal, and will aim to add to his tally at the Club World Cup under new manager Simone Inzaghi.
- Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal, 18th June, 3pm EDT
- Red Bull Salzburg vs Al-Hilal, 22nd June, 6pm EDT
- Al-Hilal vs Pachuca, 26th June, 8pm CDT
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