Club World Cup broadcaster DAZN announce Brazil icon Ronaldo, John Obi Mikel and a current Premier League star as part of their TV talent – with Kelly Somers one of four hosts
DAZN have unveiled their vast broadcasting talent ahead of the inaugural expanded Club World Cup tournament, which begins on Saturday.
The broadcaster has exclusive rights to the month-long showpiece in the United States of America, with all 63 games to shown exclusively on the channel and for free.
The curtain-raiser to the 32-team tournament begins with Egyptian outfit Al-Ahly taking on the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium, home of NFL franchise Miami Dolphins.
And ahead of that encounter, DAZN revealed their broadcasting roster – with their talent including multiple World Cup winners as well as a current Premier League player.
Brazil legend Ronaldo is the standout talent working with DAZN – with the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker having led his country to World Cup glory in 2002.
The 48-year-old isn’t the only one to have won football’s greatest prize who will be working with DAZN though – with 2014 champion Sami Khedira (Germany) also among the talent.
Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldo will be one of the TV talent on DAZN for the Club World Cup
Sami Khedira won the World Cup with Germany in 2014 – and will also be on DAZN this summer
Former Chelsea stalwart John Obi Mikel will also be present, with the ex-midfielder relishing his upcoming TV work.
‘I’m excited to join DAZN’s UK team covering this year’s FIFA Club World Cup’ he said.
‘I was lucky enough to appear in the competition for Chelsea after we won the Champions League in 2012, and as a fan, I can’t wait to see who is crowned the world’s best club.
‘It’s also a great source of pride that Africa will have its highest ever representation in the competition – what a platform for players from my continent to test themselves against the world’s greatest.’
While there are many ex-professionals providing insight, there is one current one who will be on hand to provide a more current flavour to proceedings in the shape of Callum Wilson.
Wilson is currently on the books of Newcastle United but his future at St James’ Park remains unclear. His contract expires on June 30 but is in talks over a new deal currently.
As well as the aforementioned quartet the likes of Andros Townsend, Brad Friedel and Anita Asante will be providing co-commentary on DAZN.
Presenting the coverage will be four hosts in Ade Oladipo, Kelly Somers, Olivia Buzaglo and James Richardson.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel says he is ‘excited’ to be part of DAZN’s TV coverage
Callum Wilson (right) is a current pro who will provide a modern take on the games with DAZN
Kelly Somers (left) and Olivia Burzaglo are two of the four presenters for DAZN in America
Ade Oladipo is another presenter that will be on the DAZN network over the next month
Pete Oliver, DAZN Chief Executive Officer of Growth Markets, added: ‘With less than three days to go until the competition kicks off, we’re delighted to announce our stellar UK broadcast team for our coverage of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
‘As the global home of football, we’re determined to give audiences around the world the very best viewer experience, and with a line-up featuring some of the best footballing and broadcast talent, UK fans will enjoy world-class commentary and analysis to match the action on the pitch.’
Last December, DAZN and FIFA announced a landmark partnership with DAZN awarded the exclusive worldwide rights to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The deal is the first to see a single broadcaster granted exclusive rights to a men’s international club football competition.
