Chelsea delivered a stunning performance to claim the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title, defeating reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in a dominant final on Sunday.
Cole Palmer emerged as the undisputed star of the night, inspiring the underdog Blues to a comprehensive victory. Despite facing a star-studded PSG side and entering the final as heavy outsiders, Chelsea’s high-pressing strategy paid off handsomely.
Palmer opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a precise left-footed strike from the edge of the box, leaving Gianluigi Donnarumma rooted. Just eight minutes later, he doubled the lead with an almost identical finish, taking advantage of PSG’s defensive frailties.
As halftime approached, Palmer continued his masterclass, this time turning provider. He slipped a clever pass to Joao Pedro, who delightfully chipped the advancing Donnarumma to make it 3-0, sending the Chelsea fans into raptures.
PSG attempted to rally in the second half, with Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha creating chances, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez stood firm, producing key saves to preserve his clean sheet.
Frustrations boiled over late in the game when PSG’s Joao Neves was shown a red card for unsporting conduct after pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair – a symbolic moment that reflected the Parisians’ unraveling.
For Chelsea, the victory marked a historic achievement. They become the first English club to win the FIFA Club World Cup twice, adding to their 2021 triumph. Head coach Enzo Maresca also etched his name into the record books, becoming only the second Italian manager to lift the trophy, following in the footsteps of Carlo Ancelotti.
The win is a testament to Chelsea’s recent rebuild and growing cohesion under Maresca’s leadership. With silverware secured and momentum building, the Blues will head into the new season with renewed confidence.
A crowd of 81,118 – the largest of the tournament – witnessed the spectacle, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who was seen seated beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Chelsea’s triumph also earned the club an estimated $115 million in prize money.
Meanwhile, PSG will be left to reflect on a missed opportunity and what changes are needed to bounce back from such a humbling defeat.
