On June 16, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the opening Group B match of the newly restructured FIFA Club World Cup, held at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. This match marked a significant milestone as South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in became the first Korean player to score in the revamped 32-team Club World Cup format.
PSG, fresh off an exceptional 2024-2025 season where they clinched the coveted treble—including the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France titles—entered the tournament as one of the favorites. Their dominance was evident from the outset against Atletico Madrid, a formidable European powerhouse known for their resolute defense and tactical discipline.
The French champions started strongly, with midfielder Fabian Ruiz breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute. Ruiz, assisted by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, unleashed a precise left-footed mid-range shot from the edge of the penalty area that found the back of the net, setting the tone for the rest of the match. PSG continued to press, and just before halftime, Vitinha doubled the lead during added time, showcasing his confident dribbling and clinical finishing to leave Atletico trailing 2-0 at the break.
In the second half, PSG maintained control, despite Atletico Madrid's attempts to shift momentum by introducing attacking players like Angel Correa and Conor Gallagher. However, Atletico's hopes were dealt a severe blow in the 33rd minute when center-back Clement Lenglet was sent off after accumulating two yellow cards, leaving his team a man down and struggling to keep pace.
PSG capitalized on their numerical advantage, making several substitutions to keep the energy high. Among them was South Korean star Lee Kang-in, who was brought on in the 70th minute (25th minute of the second half) to replace Fabian Ruiz. Lee, deployed as a right winger, injected fresh dynamism into the PSG attack with his intelligent movement and precise passing, maintaining a 92% pass success rate and even recording a tackle during his 20 minutes on the pitch. Although he did not register any shots during his time, his influence was palpable, earning him positive marks from European football analytics platforms—FotMob rated him 7.6, while WhoScored.com gave him a 6.89.
The match’s decisive moment came in stoppage time when Atletico defender Reinildo Mandava was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area after a VAR review. Lee Kang-in stepped up confidently to take the penalty, calmly slotting the ball into the net with his left foot to seal PSG’s fourth goal and cap off a dominant performance. This goal was not only the final nail in Atletico's coffin but also a historic moment for Lee, marking his first goal for PSG since November 2024 and making him the first Korean player to score in the FIFA Club World Cup under its new expansive format.
PSG’s third goal came shortly before Lee’s penalty, courtesy of Senny Mayulu, who scored amid a chaotic sequence in the 87th minute, further extinguishing Atletico’s hopes of a comeback. The final whistle confirmed PSG’s emphatic 4-0 win, securing an excellent start to their Club World Cup campaign and positioning them strongly atop Group B.
This year’s tournament has undergone a significant transformation, expanding from the previous seven-nation format to a global mega-event featuring 32 teams. These include continental champions and top clubs from Asia, Africa, North and Central America, South America, Oceania, Europe, and the host nation, the United States. Divided into eight groups of four, the competition promises a high level of intensity as the top two teams from each group advance to a knockout stage. The total prize pool is a staggering 1 billion USD, and the event is slated to occur every four years, mirroring the FIFA World Cup for national teams.
Lee Kang-in’s performance and goal have sparked fresh speculation about his future at PSG. Despite his contributions during the 2024-2025 season—where he appeared in 30 league matches, scoring six goals and providing six assists—Lee has often found himself on the bench, especially in high-profile matches such as the Champions League. His 11 substitute appearances and limited starts suggest he has been a rotational player rather than a guaranteed starter. This situation has fueled rumors of a potential summer transfer, with English Premier League clubs reportedly showing interest.
Italian media 'Areanapoli' recently reported that SSC Napoli is preparing a decisive offer to sign Lee Kang-in, with club director Giovanni Manna currently negotiating with PSG. The report highlighted that a year ago, transfer conditions were not favorable, but the current scenario differs as Lee is seeking regular playing time. Known for his versatility, Lee can operate both as a midfielder and a right winger, utilizing his left foot effectively—a skill that Napoli sees as valuable to their midfield overhaul.
Meanwhile, PSG’s squad featured several notable players in this match, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Goncalo Ramos, Desire Doue, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. The absence of star winger Ousmane Dembélé due to injury was felt, but PSG’s depth was on full display. Coach Luis Enrique’s tactical acumen was evident as he orchestrated a balanced and dominant performance, blending experienced stars with promising talents like Lee Kang-in.
Looking ahead, PSG is set to face Botafogo from Brazil on June 20 and the Seattle Sounders from the United States on June 24, with both matches crucial for securing top position in the group and advancing deep into the tournament. The Club World Cup represents PSG’s latest opportunity to cement their status as the world’s best club, following their historic treble-winning season.
The victory over Atletico Madrid not only highlights PSG’s strength but also showcases the growing influence of Korean players on the global stage. Lee Kang-in’s breakthrough goal is a testament to his skill and potential, providing a glimpse of what he can achieve if given consistent playing time. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on PSG and Lee Kang-in to see if they can continue their impressive form and chase the ultimate prize in club football.
