Many Wolves fans have eyes on the Club World Cup because a few former Molineux stars are playing at the tournament – one of those being Ruben Neves.
The tournament in the United States kicked off last week and is a chance for one team to get their hands on a brand new trophy – and a shedload of cash to boot.
A few former Wolves players are in action at the Club World Cup.
Rayan Ait-Nouri is set to get minutes after joining Manchester City, but he didn’t feature last night in their opening game against Moroccan outfit Wydad AC.
But we will surely see him at some stage.
There are a few players who have already featured. And two of those, Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves – interacted last night on Instagram.
Pedro Neto compliments Ruben Neves after goal against Real Madrid
Ruben Neves during Al Hilal's clash against Real Madrid
Photo by Rich Storry – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Ruben Neves is still sorely missed at Wolves.
While there are two brilliant players in midfield these days in the form of Joao Gomes and Andre, a lot of fans would take Neves back in a heartbeat.
Neves was heavily criticised for moving to Al Hilal in the summer of 2023.
But so far, he’s actually had a decent stint out in Saudi and has already won four trophies.
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Some had feared that Neves’ level would dip by making the move, and that it would not help his international prospects.
But on the evidence of last night, Neves is still a fine player after leaving Wolves. He held his own against Real Madrid and impressed a lot of people – including his former Wolves teammate Pedro Neto.
Neto himself is playing at the tournament with Chelsea.
But seemingly he caught last night’s game between Al Hilal and Real Madrid, which saw Neves score a penalty.
Neto then commented on Neves’ post-match Instagram post, writing ‘Jogaaaa muitoooo😍’, which translates to ‘You play a lot’, a common phrase used by Portuguese speakers as a means of praising someone’s good performance.
Pedro Neto playing for Chelsea.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Neves must make return to Europe next year
It was great to see Neves putting in a great performance against the mighty Real Madrid at the Club World Cup.
He surprised people with how his level was – and he surely has to consider returning to Europe next year when his contract expires.
The star will be 29 in the summer of 2026, and it would be great to see him come back to play in Europe.
Ruben Neves at Al-Hilal (2023-present)
Appearances – 87
Goals – 9
Assists – 22
Trophies – 4
Lots of Wolves fans would love to see him come back to Molineux, and Neves himself has left the door open to do that.
But that surely will not happen until later in his career.
One would imagine that there will be high demand to sign him next year, and really, he should be playing in the Champions League.