Chelsea Crowned Club World Cup Winners—but with an Unusual Twist
Chelsea triumphed with an impressive 3–0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the final of FIFA’s newly expanded Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — clinching their second title in the tournament’s history.
Cole Palmer: Player of the Tournament
Palmer turned in a commanding performance: scoring twice within eight minutes and helping set up the third goal for João Pedro just before halftime.
His rapid two-goal burst and crucial assist solidified Chelsea’s superiority and secured him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Maresca’s Tactical Masterclass
Head coach Enzo Maresca orchestrated a tactical masterstroke that overwhelmed PSG from the opening exchanges. His strategy led to early dominance and helped his youthful squad maintain belief and composure under pressure.
An Awkward Moment on the Podium with Donald Trump
What stole headlines even more than Chelsea’s victory was former President Donald Trump’s unexpected stay on stage during the trophy ceremony.
Trump, who helped present the trophy alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, remained front and centre during the celebrations—even as fireworks and confetti flew—which puzzled both players and viewers.
Chelsea captain Reece James later explained they had expected Trump to present the trophy and step aside—but he chose to stay in place. Even with Infantino urging him to step aside, Trump remained on stage throughout the celebrations.
Cole Palmer, noticeably confused, later remarked, “I was aware he’d be present, but I didn’t anticipate him being on the podium during the trophy lift.
Meanwhile, some fans booed Trump during the national anthem and again during the trophy presentation, underscoring a mixed reaction to his role in the ceremony.
The Bigger Picture
Date & Venue: July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey — the same stadium set to host the 2026 World Cup final.
Attendance: Over 81,000 fans witnessed the match live
Format Highlight: This final was historically significant as the first ever Club World Cup final between two European teams, following FIFA’s expansion to 32 teams
Chelsea claimed significant prize money and global prestige, while tensions flared late in the match: PSG’s João Neves received a red card for pulling Cucurella’s hair, sparking post-match conflict and heightened emotions on the pitch
Chelsea’s world title was sealed in emphatic fashion at the Club World Cup final in New Jersey thanks to a masterful performance by rising star Cole Palmer and inspired tactical planning by Enzo Maresca. However, the victory ceremony drew widespread attention—Trump stayed in the celebration zone well past the point he was expected to, leading to visible confusion from Chelsea players including Palmer and Reece James. While the win marked a new milestone in Chelsea’s club history, the final became as much a political spectacle as a sporting triumph.