Chelsea have been crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions after a stunning 3-0 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain in a fiery final at MetLife Stadium. Cole Palmer delivered a masterclass, scoring twice and assisting a third as the Blues sealed their second major trophy under Enzo Maresca, following their UEFA Conference League triumph in May.
This emphatic win caps off a remarkable resurgence for Chelsea, who were once mocked for their mid-table Premier League finishes but have now ascended to global dominance. Against a PSG side chasing an unprecedented five-trophy season, it was the West Londoners who played with composure, aggression, and flair.
Palmer Steals the Show
From the opening whistle, Chelsea pressed with intent and found reward in the 22nd minute. Malo Gusto surged down the right and found Palmer, who shifted onto his left foot and buried a low drive beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Eight minutes later, Palmer was at it again. This time it was Levi Colwill who picked him out just outside the box. Palmer jinked past two defenders and curled a sublime shot into the top corner to double Chelsea’s lead and send the 81,000-strong crowd into a frenzy.
In the 43rd minute, Palmer turned provider. Exploiting space down the left, he slid a pinpoint pass across goal for João Pedro, who calmly slotted in Chelsea’s third, effectively ending the contest before half-time.
PSG Collapse, Neves Sees Red
Despite boasting stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vitinha, PSG never found their rhythm. Chelsea’s midfield trio of Caicedo, Ugochukwu, and Palmer suffocated the French champions, who looked shell-shocked and uninspired.
João Neves’ frustration boiled over in the 85th minute when he lunged recklessly into a tackle, earning a straight red card and sealing a night to forget for Luis Enrique’s side.
To add to the drama, a scuffle erupted after the final whistle when Donnarumma appeared to strike João Pedro. Enzo Maresca quickly intervened, ushering his players away from the fray in a show of leadership.
From Europa Nights to Global Heights
Chelsea’s victory marks a remarkable turnaround in fortunes. Written off early in the season, Maresca’s side now sit atop world football, with Palmer emerging as their crown jewel. The 22-year-old has now been involved in five goals across two finals this year, drawing comparisons with club legend Didier Drogba.
Palmer, who was named “Superior Player of the Match,” dropped a cheeky expletive in his post-match interview, saying the team “bloody deserved” the title – a sentiment echoed by thousands of jubilant Chelsea fans online and in the stands.
Even former US President Donald Trump was in attendance, reportedly congratulating Maresca and the players after the match.
What’s Next?
With the European Super Cup looming in August, Chelsea’s new status as world champions places a target on their backs. PSG, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly. Their dream of a perfect season is now in tatters.
But tonight belongs to Chelsea. From conference contenders to global conquerors, the Blues have silenced their critics in emphatic fashion. And in Cole Palmer, they may have found their new era-defining superstar.
