Cole Palmer delivered a sensational performance as Chelsea triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain with a commanding 3-0 victory to claim the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup title at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, July 12, 2025. In front of a record crowd of 81,188 fans, including notable figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Chelsea showcased tactical brilliance and clinical finishing to overwhelm a star-studded PSG side.
Palmer, just 23 years old, was the undeniable star of the show, scoring twice within the first half-hour and setting up Joao Pedro for the third goal just before halftime. His opening strike came in the 22nd minute after PSG defender Nuno Mendes misjudged a header, allowing Palmer to calmly slot the ball past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Eight minutes later, Palmer doubled Chelsea’s lead with a near-identical left-footed curling shot after receiving a long pass from Levi Colwill, exploiting the space left behind Mendes’ defense.
Palmer’s masterclass continued when he threaded a precise assist to Joao Pedro, who chipped Donnarumma to make it 3-0 in the 43rd minute. This marked Pedro’s third goal in just two starts for Chelsea, highlighting his rapid impact at the club. Chelsea’s dominance in the first half left PSG struggling to find answers, despite their impressive run to the final, having outscored opponents 16-1 en route.
The second half saw rising tensions boil over. In the 84th minute, Joao Neves was shown a straight red card following a VAR review after he grabbed Marc Cucurella’s hair during an ongoing altercation. The incident was a flashpoint in a match that had already seen moments of frustration from PSG’s players. In stoppage time, a confrontation erupted between PSG coach Luis Enrique, Donnarumma, and Joao Pedro, requiring officials to intervene and separate the parties involved.
Despite PSG’s pedigree as a treble-winning side and their ambitions to add a Club World Cup to their trophy cabinet, Chelsea’s extra day of rest after their semifinal match appeared to be a decisive factor. Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s young squad displayed tactical maturity and relentless intensity, which ultimately overwhelmed PSG’s defense.
The victory marks Chelsea’s second Club World Cup title, their first having come in 2021. It caps a turbulent but ultimately triumphant season for the Blues, who finished fourth in the Premier League and secured the UEFA Conference League trophy. Financially, the win is significant, with Chelsea set to earn between $128.4 million and $153.8 million in prize money, depending on FIFA participation fees.
Portuguese winger Pedro Neto, who started six of Chelsea’s seven matches in the tournament and scored three goals, was deployed at left wing-back in the final and was instrumental in Chelsea’s success. Speaking to DAZN after the match, Neto dedicated the victory to the late Diogo Jota and André Silva, two teammates tragically lost in a car accident earlier in July 2025. “It’s unbelievable the way we worked, unbelievable the way we finish the tournament with this win,” Neto said. “We are really happy about it. It’s the best feeling, to be out here with these teammates, with this club, to win these types of trophies is an unbelievable thing.”
He added, “I just want more and more, that is my mentality. I’m here to win titles for this club and these special teammates. And I hope we can go for more. PSG? Tactically we did much better than them. The way we fought, the way we did things was unbelievable today. And like I said before, I said I was going to win it for Diogo and André and I’m happy I did it. This one was for them and his family and we are really happy about it.”
PSG, despite their star-studded lineup and dominant form leading up to the final, could not match Chelsea’s energy or tactical discipline. Their first three-goal defeat since October 2023 exposed vulnerabilities, particularly on the flanks where Palmer and Neto exploited space with devastating effect. Nuno Mendes, usually a solid performer, was targeted repeatedly, with his defensive lapses directly contributing to all three Chelsea goals.
The match was played under summer heat in New Jersey, but Chelsea’s fitness and sharpness were evident throughout. The Blues’ strategy to pressure PSG’s defense and capitalize on quick transitions paid dividends. Levi Colwill’s long passes and the fluid attacking interplay between Palmer, Pedro, and Neto were key to breaking down PSG’s defensive lines.
As the final whistle blew, Chelsea celebrated a historic triumph that not only adds silverware but also signals the rise of a new generation of talent under Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership. The Club World Cup win is a testament to their resilience and ambition after a season of ups and downs, and it sets the stage for what could be an exciting future for the London club on the global stage.
Meanwhile, PSG will reflect on missed opportunities and the challenges of maintaining dominance amid fierce competition. Their journey to the final showcased their quality, but the final exposed areas needing improvement if they are to reclaim global supremacy.
With the FIFA Club World Cup now expanded and attracting record crowds, Chelsea’s emphatic victory at MetLife Stadium represents a significant milestone in international club football. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how both teams build on this defining moment in the months and years ahead.
