Chelsea lists Brazilian Andrey Santos for high-stakes Flamengo duel in Club World Cup

The Chelsea Football Club announced its 28-player squad for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. Among the names is Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, a former Vasco da Gama standout, who will face Flamengo in a highly anticipated Group D match. The Blues debut on June 16 against Los Angeles FC, coinciding with Flamengo’s opener against Tunisia’s Espérance. Held across 12 American cities, the 32-team tournament promises intense battles, with the Chelsea-Flamengo clash on June 20 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia drawing significant attention. The squad reflects head coach Enzo Maresca’s strategy to blend youth and experience in pursuit of the global title.

Fresh off their UEFA Conference League triumph, where they defeated Betis 4-1 in the final, Chelsea enter the tournament as Premier League’s fourth-placed team. New signings Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr bolster the roster, while Andrey Santos carries the weight of Brazilian expectations.

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• Key players: Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, and Andrey Santos lead the charge.
• Recent signings: Delap, Essugo, and Sarr add depth for the tournament.
• Group D rivals: Flamengo, Espérance, and Los Angeles FC pose varied challenges.

The buildup to the Flamengo match has sparked excitement, amplified by Chelsea’s social media gaffe mistaking Flamengo for Mexico’s América, prompting a witty response from the Brazilian club.

Squad depth and new talent

Chelsea’s roster for the Club World Cup showcases a mix of established stars and emerging prospects. The club invested over R$ 450 million in the extra transfer window, with Liam Delap’s R$ 228.9 million move from Ipswich Town standing out. The 22-year-old striker, who scored 12 goals last season, reunites with Maresca, his former coach, easing his integration. Dario Essugo, a 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder, and Mamadou Sarr, a 19-year-old French defender, further strengthen the squad.

The inclusion of young talents like Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong signals Chelsea’s long-term vision. Meanwhile, veterans such as Reece James and Moisés Caicedo provide stability, with Cole Palmer, the newly minted number 10, expected to shine.

Andrey Santos in the spotlight

Andrey Santos, the sole Brazilian in Chelsea’s squad, returns to the club after a loan spell at Strasbourg in France. The 21-year-old, recently called up by Brazil’s national team coach Carlo Ancelotti for South American World Cup qualifiers, is eager to make his mark. His journey from Vasco’s youth academy to Europe has been one of steady growth, and the Club World Cup offers a global stage.

Santos has spoken about the influence of Vasco legend Juninho Pernambucano and the emotional weight of facing Flamengo, a club he never played against professionally. Brazilian fans, particularly Vasco supporters, are rallying behind him, flooding his social media with messages of support.

• Career path: From Vasco to Strasbourg, now back at Chelsea.
• National team: Earned a call-up for Brazil’s matches against Ecuador and Paraguay.
• Big moment: The Flamengo game marks a career milestone.

The Blues heading Stateside! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/RQWQSkdWmj

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 11, 2025

Flamengo showdown looms large

The June 20 clash between Chelsea and Flamengo is the centerpiece of Group D. Flamengo, the 2022 Copa Libertadores champions, are led by coach Filipe Luís, a former player in their title-winning campaign. The match pits Chelsea’s disciplined defense and quick transitions against Flamengo’s flair, driven by stars like Gerson and Giorgian de Arrascaeta.

The rivalry gained a lighthearted twist when Chelsea’s social media team mistakenly referenced América-MEX instead of Flamengo, prompting a playful jab from the Brazilian side. The FIFA promoted the game with posters featuring Cole Palmer and Flamengo’s Gerson, replacing an earlier version with David Luiz, who is no longer a starter.

Navigating Group D

Chelsea’s path to the knockout stage includes Espérance and Los Angeles FC. Espérance, a powerhouse in Tunisian football, reached the 2023-24 CAF Champions League final but fell to Al Ahly. Los Angeles FC, the 2022 MLS champions, boast veterans like Hugo Lloris and Denis Bouanga. Flamengo, however, remains the group’s biggest threat, with their passionate fanbase expected to turn Philadelphia into a sea of red and black.

• Espérance: Dominant in Tunisia, with players like Brazilian Yan Sasse.
• Los Angeles FC: Strong MLS side with Concacaf experience.
• Flamengo: A continental giant with a proven track record.

Advancing as group winners is crucial for Chelsea, as the runner-up could face Bayern Munich in the round of 16.

Chelsea’s financial commitment

The Blues spared no expense, spending R$ 450 million on new players and securing contract extensions for Reece James and Moisés Caicedo. The Conference League title has boosted morale, and Maresca’s tactical acumen is seen as a key asset. Cole Palmer, named England’s best player last season with 15 goals and 11 assists, is the focal point of the attack, supported by Enzo Fernández’s midfield mastery.

The club’s preparation extends to logistics, with a training base in Atlantic City and matches scheduled in Philadelphia and Orlando. The Lincoln Financial Field, hosting the Flamengo game, is among the tournament’s premier venues.

Tournament logistics and fan excitement

The 2025 Club World Cup, expanded to 32 teams, mirrors the FIFA World Cup format. Games will be played in iconic American stadiums, with the final set for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New York. Chelsea’s match against Flamengo ranks third in ticket demand, behind only Bayern vs. Boca Juniors and Boca Juniors vs. Benfica. Tickets start at US$ 802.66, per secondary platforms like GlobalEventsZone.

Flamengo’s supporters, known as the Nação Rubro-Negra, have already snapped up entire sections, creating a daunting atmosphere. Chelsea’s Maresca acknowledged the Brazilian fans’ intensity, noting it as a factor his team must counter.

Chelsea’s Club World Cup history

Chelsea’s last Club World Cup appearance ended in a 1-0 loss to Corinthians in 2012. Their 2021 Champions League title earned them a spot in 2025, and the club is determined to claim the trophy. The blend of youth—Andrey Santos, Tyrique George—and experience—Marc Cucurella, Nicolas Jackson—gives Chelsea a versatile edge.

The 2012 final remains a sore memory, with Paolo Guerrero’s header sealing Corinthians’ victory. Maresca’s squad aims to rewrite history in the U.S., where the tournament’s scale and prestige are unprecedented.

Cole Palmer’s starring role

Announced as Chelsea’s new number 10 with a dramatic ice sculpture, Cole Palmer is the team’s creative heartbeat. His 23-year-old flair, marked by precise dribbling and clinical finishing, makes him a standout. Paired with Fernández and Jackson, Palmer is poised to drive Chelsea’s attack.

The Club World Cup also serves as a platform for Palmer to cement his case for England’s 2026 World Cup squad, co-hosted by the U.S. His performances in high-stakes matches will be closely watched by national team selectors.

Broadcast and global reach

The tournament will be broadcast in Brazil by CazéTV and Sportv, with Globo airing Flamengo’s games and select high-profile matches. The global audience is expected to surpass previous editions, given the expanded format and star-studded lineups. Clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG add to the competition’s allure.

The Chelsea-Flamengo game, with its mix of Brazilian passion and English precision, is a microcosm of the tournament’s appeal. For Chelsea, it’s a chance to assert dominance; for Flamengo, a shot at global glory.