Chelsea are world champions. The underdogs just won the Club World Cup in dominant fashion. Enzo Maresca’s side stunned Paris Saint-Germain with three first-half goals and cruised to a statement 3-0 victory in the 2025 Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
The first half belonged to one man: Cole Palmer. The 23-year-old delivered one of the arguably finest performances of his career, striking twice and assisting the third. His first goal came in the 23rd minute, a smooth left-footed finish into the bottom corner after Malo Gusto’s overlapping run caused chaos down the right.
Just seven minutes later, Palmer was at it again. Reece James clipped a clever ball down the right channel, and Palmer drove inside before curling another clinical shot into the far corner.
In the 43rd minute, Palmer turned provider, slicing PSG’s backline open with a through ball for Joao Pedro. The Brazilian lifted a cheeky finish over Donnarumma to make it 3-0 before halftime.
PSG, who demolished Real Madrid 4-0 in the semis, looked rattled. Nuno Mendes struggled, the midfield trio of Neves, Ruiz, and Vitinha were overrun, and Luis Enrique’s second-half changes failed to spark a comeback. Neves was shown a straight red in the 86th minute for pulling Cucurella’s hair. It was a fitting end to a frustrating afternoon.
Chelsea managed the second half with composure. Robert Sanchez made key saves. Liam Delap nearly added a fourth. And despite the sweltering New Jersey heat, the Blues never looked like letting this one slip.
The final whistle blew after five minutes of stoppage time. Chelsea’s bench stormed the pitch. PSG’s players trudged off. MetLife Stadium roared in approval.
It’s Chelsea’s second Club World Cup crown, and this one came against Europe’s best. Can they carry today’s overwhelming success into the upcoming Premier League season?
