Chelsea capped their stunning season with a commanding display in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, sealing a 3–0 victory over Paris Saint‑Germain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 13, 2025. Cole Palmer was unquestionably the standout performer, delivering a first‑half masterclass that overturned pre‑match expectations and secured Chelsea their second Club World Cup title in emphatic fashion.
From the outset, Chelsea pressed with intensity under manager Enzo Maresca’s tactical blueprint. The first breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when PSG fullback Nuno Mendes lost possession to Malo Gusto. Gusto’s initial shot was blocked, but he recovered the rebound and slipped Palmer unmarked into space. The English midfielder coolly finished inside the near post to give Chelsea the lead.
Just eight minutes later, Palmer struck again. Receiving a through ball, he drifted inside, beat his marker with a dummy and curled a low finish beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma into the far corner. The tempo and precision of the move highlighted Palmer’s composure and technical brilliance under pressure.
On the stroke of halftime, Palmer added yet another moment of magic—not to his own name but to assist. Picking up the ball on the right, he threaded a perfect pass into the run of new signing João Pedro, who finished with finesse to make it 3–0. It was a fitting end to an utterly dominant opening half from Chelsea.
PSG entered the match as heavy favourites after dismantling Bayern Munich and Real Madrid en route to the final. Instead, they were left shell‑shocked by Chelsea’s intensity. The frustration boiled over in the second half, culminating in a red card for João Neves, who grabbed Marc Cucurella by the hair in the 86th minute.
Coach Maresca was full of praise after the victory, lauding Palmer’s contribution and highlighting the tactical discipline of his side. He singled out their high-press strategy and ability to exploit PSG’s left flank as key to dismantling their opponents. Maresca also predicted that this revamped Club World Cup will grow in stature, potentially rivaling the Champions League in importance.
Palmer’s performance earned him the tournament’s Golden Ball, recognising his two goals and assist in the final. In post-match interviews, he took pride in silencing critics of the team and firmly establishing himself as one of football’s brightest young talents.
Chelsea captain Reece James lifted the trophy in front of a crowd of over 81,000 fans—while former U.S. President Donald Trump, who presented the trophy, was visibly met with boos from some sections when he joined the podium photo op. Palmer admitted he was “a bit confused” by Trump’s presence.
As PSG’s treble dream unraveled, Chelsea’s supporters celebrated a historic triumph. In doing so, they became the first winners of the expanded 32‑team Club World Cup format, providing a perfect capstone to a season that also included Conference League glory.
This remarkable win cements the evolution of both player and club: Palmer from frustrated youngster to global star, and Chelsea from underdogs to world champions—on the club level and in spirit.
