Chelsea stun PSG as Palmer stars in Club World Cup triumph
Share
Chelsea wrapped up the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on July 13, 2025, with a sensational 3–0 victory over Paris Saint‑Germain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Match highlights
-
Cole Palmer was the standout performer, scoring two stunning goals inside the first half-hour—both curled calmly past Gianluigi Donnarumma—and later assisting João Pedro for Chelsea’s third goal in the 43rd minute.
-
João Pedro capped off the rapid-fire first-half display with a clever chip over the PSG keeper, extending Chelsea’s lead before halftime.
Tactical masterclass & rising stars
Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea executed a near-perfect tactical plan, dominating from the off and silencing critics in their first full season under the current owner-led rebuild. Maresca hailed the players for their precision execution, while Palmer praised his coach’s game plan and team spirit.
Controversy & celebration
PSG’s João Neves received a red card late in the contest for tugging on Marc Cucurella’s hair, as confirmed by VAR. Tensions boiled over post-match when PSG manager Luis Enrique seemed to push João Pedro during a sideline confrontation, though Enrique later insisted it was meant to defuse the situation.
Amid the celebrations, former U.S. President Donald Trump presented the trophy but was reportedly booed by parts of the crowd. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Maresca suggested the revamped tournament—with its six-team matchups and entertainment-heavy spectacle—could eventually rival the Champions League in prestige.
Chelsea’s dominant win underlines their resurgence, lifting their first title in FIFA’s new global format and positioning them as a force heading into the 2025–26 season.
Quick Facts
- Date: July 13, 2025
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
- Attendance: 81,118
- Result: Chelsea 3–0 PSG
- Golden Ball & Man of the Match: Cole Palmer
- Goals:
- Palmer (22′, 30′)
- João Pedro (43′)
