In a dazzling finale that fused football brilliance with financial might, Chelsea emphatically defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 on Sunday, July 13, 2025, to win the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Played under the sweltering New Jersey sun at MetLife Stadium, the London club’s performance was as electric as the halftime show, led by J Balvin and Doja Cat. But it was Cole Palmer who stole the night, netting a first-half brace and assisting João Pedro to crown Chelsea world champions for the second time in their history.
The match was billed as the richest one-off fixture in football history , and it delivered on every front. The tournament’s revamped format offered performance-based rewards from the group stage to the final, transforming each match into a financial battlefield. With $30 million guaranteed for making the final and an additional $40 million for lifting the trophy, Chelsea’s triumph secured a staggering $70 million payday. In total, the Blues pocketed around $89.5 million during their campaign, redefining the economics of global club competition.
Chelsea’s path to glory wasn’t without challenges. An early stumble against Flamengo sharpened their focus, leading to a string of commanding wins over LAFC, ES Tunis, Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense. Their redemption arc was matched only by their tactical discipline in the final. Palmer’s opener in the 22nd minute set the tone, followed by another in the 30th. João Pedro’s cool finish before halftime sealed the deal, while PSG unraveled, culminating in João Neves’ late red card and post-match chaos involving manager Luis Enrique.
PSG, despite entering the final as tournament favorites with scalps like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid behind them, were tactically outclassed. Still, the Parisians exit with their heads high and an estimated $107.7 million in earnings, highlighting the tournament’s dual rewards of prestige and profit. Yet the night belonged to Chelsea, who blended flair with ruthless execution to stand alone atop the world stage.
As the curtain fell on a historic tournament, Chelsea’s captain Reece James lifted the trophy, handed over by former U.S. President Donald Trump, capping an evening that felt part football, part global spectacle. This wasn’t just a match; it was a showcase of modern football’s power, performance, and profitability. And as Chelsea bask in their golden triumph, the world watches on, where goals now echo with the sound of billions.
