The 2025 Club World Cup continues to be a topic of conversation in the world of football. While some celebrate this new, expanded version of the tournament, others, such as Raphinha and Jürgen Klopp, have been openly critical. In response to these opinions, the legendary former Bulgarian footballer Hristo Stoichkov did not hesitate to respond in statements reported by MARCA and El Mundo.

Raphinha expressed his displeasure

Last week, FC Barcelona forward Raphinha expressed his dissatisfaction with the physical effort that, according to him, European clubs' participation in the tournament requires:

“You have to go, period, because we follow orders; we have to be there playing. And, as a player for a European club, giving up my vacation to play in a new tournament is very complicated.”

The Brazilian was even more forceful:

“It's very bad to have to give up your vacation to play something you're obligated to, because at no point did they ask the players about anything.”

Stoichkov Harsh Response

Hristo Stoichkov was quick to speak out. In a firm tone, he responded to the Barça player statements:

“Very well, but next year, when the World Cup is played here, Raphinha will be there. People forget. I played here too... so we need to calm things down a bit.”

The former player also addressed the rule changes that benefited players:

“Before, there were two substitutions, now there are five. That's half a team you can change at halftime. And one more in extra time. If you complain about that, it seems unfair to me. As if we've never played so many games a year.”

Stoichkov also took aim at Klopp

Another of the names who harshly criticized the tournament was Jürgen Klopp, who once called the Club World Cup “the worst idea ever implemented in football.” For Stoichkov, those words were surprising:

“I didn't expect that from Jürgen. I have so much respect for him… Maybe he's a little upset that Salzburg isn't in the competition, since he's the director of Red Bull. When Liverpool played, no one complained. When they receive money, they don't either. I think we need to have more respect for these tournaments.”

Despite the criticism, Stoichkov positively valued the new version of the championship:

“I played in it in the past, when it was just a few matches, but I think Gianni Infantino and FIFA have done something different. You bring together many cultures, new systems, different tactics, many teams that were previously unknown. All of that is fantastic.”

Defending the organization and the idea of ​​the tournament

Stoichkov also highlighted the crowd's response:

“The crowd hasn't been lacking, except for one match where there were thunderstorms. Yesterday, Maresca (Chelsea manager) complained about the rain, but what do we do? Do we give Infantino a remote control to stop the rain? They complain about anything.”

The former striker continued his defense of the tournament:

“For me, everything is fantastically well thought out. I hope this continues, because football is a party. Who doesn't love to play? You give me some boots and a ball and I go out and play. The organization has been excellent, and I don't see any complaints from the crowd.”

Stoichkov also lashed out at what he considers the hypocrisy of some players:

“They don't complain when they earn 20 million a year. They're relaxed there. They only play from Saturday to Saturday, without the Copa del Rey, without the FA Cup, without the Carabao Cup… those trophies that are worthless now. They used to, when perhaps they weren't in UEFA. Now Spain, England, and Italy have six Champions League spots. What are they complaining about? I have no idea.”

Final Message for Klopp

Stoichkov concluded with a reflection directed at the former Liverpool manager:

“Let's see, what would you prefer? Going to play in China, Japan, or Indonesia? Or playing in a competition that gives you prestige? He also played in this tournament with Liverpool. Back then, he didn't complain. Maybe now he's missing the Red Bull teams. It's an important tournament, with many young players who are just starting out and have the opportunity to showcase themselves.”

The 2025 Club World Cup has generated mixed opinions, and the discussion promises to continue. While some see it as an overload of matches, others see it as an opportunity for global growth for football.

Only time will tell who is right. In the meantime, let's enjoy the tournament.