Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel has joined forces with Brazilian football icon Ronaldo to deliver expert analysis for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off this weekend in the United States.
The duo was unveiled as part of an elite lineup of football pundits by global sports streaming giant DAZN, the official broadcaster of the tournament. They will be offering in-depth coverage and analysis throughout the duration of the competition, which runs from June 14.
John Obi Mikel is best known for his successful decade-long stint with Chelsea FC, where he won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League. He also served as a midfield lynchpin for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, winning the 2013 AFCON. Ronaldo Nazário, on the other hand, is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time. A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, he led Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 and dazzled fans globally with stints at Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid.
According to the Daily Mail, Mikel and Ronaldo will serve as lead analysts for DAZN’s coverage of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Joining them on the analyst panel are Newcastle striker Callum Wilson and Germany’s 2014 World Cup winner Sami Khedira. The panel will break down each match, offering pre-game previews, halftime insights, and post-match analysis. This high-profile assignment further solidifies Mikel’s growing presence in football media, where he’s already active with his popular “Obi One Podcast” and regular analysis slots on beIN Sports.
The tournament’s opening game will see Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami face African giants Al Ahly, while Chelsea begin their campaign against Los Angeles FC on June 16, a match Mikel is likely to cover given his Chelsea connection.
The coverage team also includes Andros Townsend and Brad Friedel, who will handle co-commentary duties throughout the competition. DAZN, with exclusive rights to the tournament, is banking on this star-studded panel to elevate fan engagement with behind-the-scenes insights and expert opinions.