Chelsea capped off a remarkable season by clinching the FIFA Club World Cup title with a commanding 3-0 victory over European champions Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Cole Palmer starred on the biggest stage, scoring twice in the first half with a pair of clinical finishes just eight minutes apart. The 23-year-old added flair to his performance with his signature “cold” celebration in the sweltering New Jersey heat, as the Blues took firm control of the final at MetLife Stadium.
João Pedro added a third in the 43rd minute—his third goal of the tournament and second start since joining from Brighton—capping off a stunning first half for Chelsea. PSG, who had looked dominant throughout the tournament aside from a group-stage loss to Botafogo, simply couldn’t respond.
The spectacle wasn’t limited to the pitch, either. Halftime featured a surprise appearance by Coldplay, who were joined by J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly for an unexpected musical performance.
PSG’s frustration boiled over late in the game when midfielder João Neves was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair, reducing the French side to 10 men.
At full time, Chelsea players celebrated in kits emblazoned with “World Champions 25,” marking the club’s second Club World Cup triumph and second trophy of the season—having also won the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis.
Palmer, who finished the season with 18 goals after joining from Manchester City just two years ago, credited Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca for putting him in the right positions.
“The gaffer put a great game plan out,” said Palmer. “He knew where there would be space. I just had to repay him with goals. He’s building something special.”
Maresca, who arrived from Leicester City this season, was full of praise for his players.
“I have no words,” he said. “We set the tone early and controlled the game. The players have been fantastic.”
The result hands PSG a bitter end to an otherwise successful season that saw them win Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. It was also their heaviest defeat in nearly two years, the last being a 4-1 loss to Newcastle in October 2023.
Chelsea, meanwhile, ride high into next season, having also secured a UEFA Champions League berth with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
