New Jersey, USA – Chelsea delivered one of their finest performances in recent memory to claim the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title, stunning Paris St-Germain 3-0 in a dominant display at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Cole Palmer was the star of the show, scoring twice and assisting Joao Pedro for the third as Chelsea’s high-tempo pressing game completely dismantled a PSG side that had breezed through the competition. The result gave Chelsea their second major trophy of the season, following their Conference League triumph.
Manager Enzo Maresca, who only took over at Stamford Bridge last year, masterminded what pundits have called a “tactical masterclass.” Chelsea pressed aggressively from the first whistle, with Palmer and Joao Pedro exploiting PSG’s left flank, particularly targeting full-back Nuno Mendes.
“The idea was to go man-to-man and not give them any space,” Maresca explained. “We suffocated them early, and that intensity in the first 10 minutes won us the game.”
The victory over PSG – who had demolished Inter Milan in the Champions League final and beaten Bayern Munich with nine men in the Club World Cup semi-finals – shocked many in the football world. But Chelsea’s fast start and tactical discipline left no doubt they were worthy winners.
“This is the best I’ve seen Chelsea play in years,” said pundit Andros Townsend on Dazn. “They stretched PSG like no one has this season.”
Palmer, who has thrived on the right wing during the tournament after struggling centrally earlier in the season, echoed the sentiment. “Everyone doubted us before the game. To win it like this—it’s a great feeling,” he said.
The win carries more than just prestige. Chelsea are now officially world champions until at least 2029, when the next Club World Cup is scheduled. The title also brings a financial windfall of nearly £90 million, and the club can now sport FIFA’s gold champion badge on their kits.
Maresca, who previously served on Manchester City’s coaching staff, said this title holds even more weight than the Champions League. “It features the best clubs from all continents,” he said. “We value it just as much, if not more.”
Despite post-match tensions between both sets of players, including skirmishes on the pitch, Chelsea’s celebrations were uncontained. For fans, the win not only secures bragging rights but signals a turning point under Todd Boehly’s ownership. After spending £1.5 billion on players, Chelsea are finally delivering results.
With the youngest squad at the tournament—no player older than 27—many believe this could be the start of something special.
“They’re not far off from challenging for the Premier League,” said Gareth Bale. “This win will give them belief and momentum.”
Chelsea, once ridiculed for their spending spree, now have the world at their feet.
