Amidst the buzz and drills at Manchester City’s FIFA Club World Cup training camp, football royalty dropped in unannounced: none other than Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development and one of the game’s most iconic figures.
His visit added an unexpected spark to the City camp this week.
On Saturday, Wenger arrived at the City Football Academy, greeted by a sea of blue and curious eyes.
He was on a FIFA mission, to present City’s six FIFPRO World XI winners with their awards, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, and John Stones .
But instead of a formal stage, he chose the hustle and heart of the training ground to celebrate their achievements.
Wenger took time to personally shake hands, pose for photos, and offer words of praise.
Pep Guardiola even described it as a “pleasure” to host the legendary Frenchman at the CFA .
The pair shared a moment over coffee,a candid snapshot of mutual respect between two managerial greats.
One memorable exchange unfolded with England’s John Stones.
Talking about Stones’s evolution into a midfield dynamo, Wenger remarked:“I see you more and more… you played like that when you were young!”Stones grinned back, “Well, a little bit, I’m trying my best!” to which Wenger replied, “Congratulations. I’m impressed.”
That praise from a fellow tactician was a boost Stones won’t forgetm
During the visit, Wenger lauded City’s state-of-the-art facilities and professional ethos.
He said City had “created the best environment for success” at CFA and the Etihad .
He emphasized that top-level structures are key to winning culture, praising the club’s blend of athleticism, efficiency, and style—qualities he called “top‑class”.
Yet Wenger’s visit wasn’t just ceremonial.
As FIFA’s global football head, he’s the architect behind the revamped 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, debuting in summer 2025.
Before City’s camp, he publicly heralded the tournament as a leap toward making club football “truly global” and empowering clubs from every confederation.
Players were inspired. Haaland and De Bruyne, fresh off recent international duties, welcomed Wenger with broad smiles and firm handshakes.
Stones admitted the praise “boosts confidence”, while Pep reflected on the special dynamic: having Wenger around turned routine training into a “masterclass in professionalism”, for everyone present.
Morale boost: Wenger’s presence added a celebratory tone ahead of Camp’s intensive final stretches.
Global spotlight: His visit underlines Manchester City’s central role in FIFA’s big vision,and the dawning era of truly global club competition.
Youthful inspiration: Younger players at CFA got an up-close taste of what football excellence feels like,motivation for a lifetime.
