EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – July 14, 2025 – Chelsea Football Club has etched its name into the history books, becoming the first-ever champions of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup. The Blues delivered a commanding performance in the final at MetLife Stadium, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in a match that firmly announced the arrival of this reimagined global club competition.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Cole Palmer, whose electrifying display earned him the coveted Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player. Palmer was directly involved in all three of Chelsea's goals, netting two sublime strikes and providing an exquisite assist.
The final, held in front of a tournament-high crowd of 81,188, saw Chelsea assert their dominance early on. Palmer opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a clinical left-footed finish, capitalizing on a defensive miscue from PSG. Just eight minutes later, he doubled Chelsea's lead with another precisely placed shot, showcasing his remarkable composure and burgeoning talent.
As half-time approached, Palmer turned provider, delivering a perfectly weighted through ball to João Pedro, who expertly chipped the ball over PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 43rd minute to make it 3-0. This dominant first-half performance effectively sealed the victory for Enzo Maresca's side.While the match saw some late-game tension, including a red card for PSG's João Neves and a post-match scuffle, Chelsea's control of the game was undeniable. Their relentless energy and tactical execution, combined with an extra day of rest compared to their opponents, proved decisive.
This triumph marks Chelsea's second Club World Cup title overall, building on their 2021 success. However, this victory is particularly significant as it comes in the inaugural edition of the expanded 32-team format. The tournament, hosted across various cities in the United States, has been hailed as the dawn of a "golden era of club football" by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
For Cole Palmer, the Golden Ball caps off a sensational individual campaign in the tournament, where he notched three goals and two assists. His ability to consistently deliver in big moments has cemented his status as a pivotal figure for Chelsea and a rising star on the global stage.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has concluded, setting a high standard for future editions and showcasing the immense talent and competitive spirit of club football from around the world. Chelsea's historic win, spearheaded by the brilliance of Cole Palmer, will be remembered as a landmark moment in the sport.
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