Chelsea’s Dominant Victory
Chelsea clinched the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 title with a 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Cole Palmer, 23, starred with two goals (22’, 30’) and an assist for Joao Pedro’s third (43’), outclassing the Champions League winners. Chelsea’s first-half blitz (2.3 xG, 63% possession) stunned PSG, who were reduced to 10 men after Joao Neves’ red card for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair in the 85th minute. The Blues, under Enzo Maresca, earned $40m from the $1bn prize pool, capping a run that included wins over Benfica (4-1), Palmeiras (2-1), and Fluminense (2-0).
Trump’s Controversial Presence
US President Donald Trump, alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James, but his decision to remain on stage during the celebrations sparked confusion. Palmer, awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, said, “I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he’d stay on the stand. I was a bit confused.” James added, “They told me he’d present the trophy and leave, but he wanted to stay.” Lip-readers noted Palmer muttering, “What’s he doing?” as Trump clapped amid the team, with James reportedly asking, “Are you going to leave?” The crowd, numbering 81,118, booed Trump during the anthem and presentation, though some cheered.
Match Highlights
- Palmer’s Brilliance: Palmer’s first goal, a curling 20-yard shot, and second, a low drive after a shimmy, showcased his 18-goal 2024/25 season form. His assist for Pedro’s scooped finish over Gianluigi Donnarumma sealed PSG’s fate. Palmer’s backheel through Fabian Ruiz’s legs drew crowd cheers.
- PSG’s Collapse: Despite their 4-0 semi-final rout of Real Madrid, PSG managed only 0.9 xG and 6 shots, with Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe neutralized by Moises Caicedo (2.3 interceptions) and Robert Sanchez (Golden Glove, 4 saves). Neves’ red card followed a post-match scuffle, with Luis Enrique appearing to grab Pedro’s neck.
- Pre-Match Spectacle: A delayed kick-off (20:08 BST) followed a Robbie Williams performance, US Air Force flyover, and halftime show with J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Chris Martin, adding a Super Bowl-like atmosphere.
Player and Fan Reactions
Palmer reveled in silencing doubters, telling DAZN, “Everyone doubted us, but we put up a fight against a great team. I love finals.” James echoed, “It’s a big statement.” Fans on X were divided: some praised Chelsea’s “clinical” display, others mocked Trump’s “narcissistic” lingering, with one noting, “Palmer looked annoyed.” PSG fans criticized Enrique’s tactics, while Chelsea supporters hailed Palmer as a “Ballon d’Or contender.” Trump, in a brief DAZN interview, called football a “growing sport,” joined by Infantino, Tom Brady, and Rupert Murdoch in his suite.
Context and Controversy
Trump’s appearance, on the anniversary of his 2024 assassination attempt, drew heightened security with Secret Service snipers and K-9 units. His presence, alongside Infantino, who rented FIFA offices in Trump Tower, fueled speculation about political motives ahead of the 2026 World Cup, also at MetLife Stadium. Infantino called the tournament a “huge success,” citing $2bn revenue, but players like Jurgen Klopp criticized its scheduling for player exhaustion. Chelsea’s win, defying PSG’s quadruple hopes, marked their second Club World Cup title (after 2012).
Chelsea, buoyed by $114m in tournament earnings, face AC Milan in a friendly on July 26 and Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on August 10. Maresca eyes Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi to bolster defense, with Noni Madueke’s potential £52m Arsenal move funding it. PSG, stung by the loss, shift to Ligue 1 preparations against Lyon on August 17, with Enrique defending his squad’s “sensational season.” Fans on X debate whether Chelsea’s win signals a Premier League title push, while Trump’s role sparked memes and criticism, with some calling it a “cringeworthy” moment.
