The seventh Club World Cup

Real Madrid retained the title of world champion. For the seventh time, The Whites reached the top of the footballing world thanks to their four Club World Cups (2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018) and the three Intercontinental Cups (1960, 1998 and 2002), something that nobody else has done. In Abu Dhabi they achieved a very difficult feat: for the first time in history, a team lifted this trophy three consecutive seasons.
 
The victory took place on the same stage as a year before, with the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi as the venue for the semi-finals against Kashima Antlers (3-1) and the final against Al Ain (4-1). Bale starred in the first match with a spectacular hat-trick, while in the final Modric, Llorente and Ramos were amongst the goals.

Bale, Club World Cup Golden Ball

The Welshman was recognised as the best player in the tournament. He scored three goals in this edition and in the final almost scored an overhead kick like the one against Liverpool in Kiev. He equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's record as top scorer in the history of the competition with six goals and also became one of the three players to have scored a hat-trick in the Club World Cup.

The MVP trophy in the final went to Marcos Llorente. The youth-team graduate took control of the centre of the park and capped off a splendid tournament by scoring his first goal for Real Madrid at a key moment. Special mention too for Kroos, the only player who has been crowned five-times world champion, more times than any other team. And finally, Varane ended his unforgettable year on a personal level by becoming a double world champion.
 
Ramos scored again in a final and lifted another trophy. He now has 10 as captain and 20 altogether, just like Marcelo. For Solari, it was the first trophy as a coach and these were his words shortly after: "This title puts the finishing touch to a wonderful period that we will try to continue. Winning 3 Champions Leagues and 3 Club World Cups will be difficult to repeat. This group of players and this club have made history".