Carles Puyol, the Barcelona and Spain great, says the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be a footballing party. He would love to turn back the clock and play in the new 32-team tournament next year.
What is the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
The tournament will take place in the USA from 14 June to 13 July 2025, featuring 32 teams from all six confederations competing for global glory.
Carles Puyol won just about everything in football, including three UEFA Champions Leagues and two FIFA World Cup titles. He also starred in Spain's 2008 UEFA EURO win.
What does Puyol think about the new format?
Puyol thinks the new format is an opportunity to watch an amazing competition. Unfortunately, his beloved Barcelona won't be playing, having narrowly missed out via the UEFA ranking pathway.
The Barcelona side Puyol played in for 15 years lifted a dozen domestic titles. He remembers the disappointment of losing to Brazilian giants Internacional in the 2006 final.
What are Puyol's memories of the tournament?
Puyol and Barça avenged that defeat by winning the 2009 and 2011 editions of the tournament, becoming the first side to win it twice. He cherishes being crowned annual global club champions with his boyhood club.
Puyol would love to go back and experience the new FIFA Club World Cup, which has a completely new format. He's sure it's going to be a very beautiful and interesting event.
The new tournament will feature teams from all over the world, including Al Hilal, who will be playing with Brazilian star Neymar, who scooped the adidas Bronze Ball in the 2011 final.
What's next for Puyol and Barcelona?
Puyol's beloved Blaugrana won't be involved in the tournament, but he's sure this will be a footballing party in which fans will be able to enjoy amazing matches. Barcelona will have to work hard to play in the next one.
Carles Puyol retired in 2014, but his legacy lives on. He's still passionate about football and can't wait to see the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in action.
The tournament promises to be an exciting event, with the best teams from around the world competing for the top prize. Carles Puyol will be watching with interest, hoping to see some amazing matches.