Top 5 FIFA Club World Cup 2022 best players: Vinicius faces Real Madrid’s worst fear

The FIFA Club World Cup 2022, held in early 2023 on the vibrant soil of Morocco, concluded with a familiar sight: the trophy returning to the Spanish capital. Real Madrid secured their fifth title in the competition's history by defeating the Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal in a breathtaking 5-3 final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. 

The match was a high-scoring spectacle where Madrid’s offensive firepower, led by Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde, and the returning Karim Benzema, eventually overwhelmed the spirited resistance of Al Hilal. While the Saudi side made history by becoming the first club from their nation to reach the final, thanks to goals from Luciano Vietto and Moussa Marega, the gulf in class remained evident.

This victory marked Madrid’s 10th win in the history of the tournament, further cementing their status as the most successful club in the competition with titles in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022. 

Under the former format, the tournament often feels like a triumphant parade for European kings. This predictable outcome extends beyond the trophy itself to individual recognition. To delve deeper into this phenomenon, Nowgoalpro presents an in-depth look at the FIFA Club World Cup 2022 best players who defined the tournament's landscape.

Top 5 FIFA Club World Cup 2022 best players

5. Pedro 

The clinical Brazilian striker proved that you don't need to reach the final to leave an indelible mark on the tournament. Despite Flamengo's disappointing semi-final exit, Pedro finished as the competition's top scorer with an impressive 4 goals in just 2 appearances. His ability to find the net was on full display in the third-place play-off, where he helped his side secure a bronze medal. 

Pedro’s predatory instincts in the box made him a constant threat, and he remains one of the few players outside of the finalists to be consistently mentioned among the FIFA Club World Cup 2022 best players. His prolific form followed a sensational season in the Copa Libertadores, where he scored 12 goals in 13 matches to lead Flamengo to South American glory, earning him the tournament's Best Player award before arriving in Morocco.

4. Toni Kroos

While Kross may not always grab the headlines with goals, Kroos’s presence in Morocco was historic. By lifting the trophy, the German midfielder became the first and only player to win the FIFA Club World Cup 6 times, 5 times with Real Madrid and once with Bayern Munich in 2013. 

In 2022, his veteran leadership and tactical discipline were vital in stabilizing a Madrid midfield missing some key personnel due to injury. Kroos’s sixth title is a record that may stand for decades, solidifying his legacy as the most decorated individual in the history of this intercontinental competition.

3. Federico Valverde

In third place, we celebrate the "silent engine" of Real Madrid, Valverde. The Uruguayan international enjoyed a transformative tournament, scoring 3 goals in 2 matches, including a clinical brace in the 5-3 final against Al Hilal. Before this 2022/23 campaign, Valverde had only scored 9 goals in 178 appearances for Madrid, however, his performance in Morocco helped him reach a career-high 11 goals for the season. 

His tireless work rate and newfound scoring touch earned him the Silver Ball award. Notably, he became the first Madrid player since 2022 to score in 3 consecutive games across multiple competitions during that period. His evolution from a utility player to a world-class goal-scoring midfielder was one of the most compelling narratives for the Spanish champions during their stay in North Africa.

2. Luciano Vietto

The Argentine attacker was the heartbeat of the Saudi side’s historic run, scoring 3 goals in the tournament. His performance in the final was nothing short of heroic, as he netted twice against the mighty Real Madrid, forcing the European champions to stay focused until the final whistle. 

Vietto’s ability to exploit gaps in the Madrid defense earned him the Bronze Ball, a rare feat for a player from an Asian club. His brace in the final remains one of the most memorable individual efforts in the history of Al Hilal.

1. Vinícius Júnior

The Brazilian winger was officially recognized as the Golden Ball winner, making him the undisputed leader among the FIFA Club World Cup 2022 best players. Vinícius was involved in almost every significant attacking move for Real Madrid, scoring 3 goals and providing a crucial assist for Karim Benzema in the final. 

His brace against Al Hilal, combined with his Man of the Match performance in the final, showcased a player at the absolute peak of his powers. In the 2021/22 European season leading up to this, Vinícius had already established himself by scoring the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final. In Morocco, he simply confirmed that he is currently one of the most devastating offensive forces in global football.

Top 5 performers in Club World Cup 2022:

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) 

Luciano Vietto (Al Hilal) 

Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) 

Toni Kroos (Real Madrid) 

Pedro (Flamengo) 

As Nowgoalpro.net has highlighted through this selection of the most explosive talents, the FIFA Club World Cup 2022 best players reflect a tournament that served as the perfect closing chapter to a golden year for Real Madrid. The "Los Blancos" have once again proven that the famous white jersey can cast a shadow over any competition they enter, regardless of the continent or the opponent.

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