Manchester City’s $44M Star Breaks Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA Club World Cup Record After Beating Fluminense

Christmas has come early for Manchester City. Just moments ago, the Premier League side clinched their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Fluminense. While soccer fans around the globe continue to celebrate with City, the spotlight has shifted towards their $44 million star player, who has managed to outshine Cristiano Ronaldo with this historic win.

With this victory, Pep Guardiola and Co. have successfully managed to wrap up their 2023 season trophy haul, as the latest silverware goes alongside the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup. 

Manchester City’s $44 million star outshines Cristiano Ronaldo 

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic has become the first player to win the FIFA Club World Cup with three different clubs. After winning the prestigious title three times with Real Madrid (2016, 2017, and 2018) and one time with Chelsea (2022), the Croatian has lifted his fifth Club World Cup with Manchester City. Moreover, with this feat, he has surpassed notable figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger, all of whom have secured victory in the Club World Cup with two different clubs.

Additionally, Kovacic has also piped Ronaldo by winning the award five times, with CR7 winning three with Madrid and one with Manchester United. Notably, this is the second trophy that Kovacic has won with the Sky Blues. The former Chelsea man first won the UEFA Super Cup after City defeated Europa League winners Sevilla on penalties. It is indeed quite a remarkable achievement for the 29-year-old. Meanwhile, speaking of the game, Julian Alvarez is going to be on the front page of tomorrow’s newspaper after such an enthralling performance. 

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Julian Alvarez steps up in Erling Haaland’s absence 

Erling Haaland’s absence in the Club World Cup final didn’t feel much as Julian Alvarez stole the show tonight. The Argentinian superstar scored a stunning brace, thanks to his first and 88th-minute strikes. Additionally, Nino’s own goal and Phil Foden’s goal helped City clinch an easy 4-0 victory against the Brazilian side. 

Although Haaland had returned from his injury, the player was still inadmissible to play in the final. The Norwegian superstar was barred alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku due to FIFA’s regulations, which stipulate that if a player is omitted from the matchday squad for the semi-final, they are ineligible for the finals. Nevertheless, congratulations and celebrations are in order for Manchester City. 

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