Cole Palmer inspired a sensational Chelsea performance as the Blues defeated reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the first edition of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The England international stole the show, scoring twice and assisting a third as Chelsea dismantled an in-form PSG side many had tipped as favourites.
Palmer opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a low finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma after Malo Gusto raced in behind Nuno Mendes. He doubled Chelsea’s lead just eight minutes later with an almost identical strike after a clever dummy near the box.
His defence-splitting pass then set up Joao Pedro for a composed lob over Donnarumma on the stroke of half-time, capping a stunning first-half display that left PSG reeling.
Palmer the Star in New York Spotlight
Already featured on giant billboards in Times Square, Palmer lived up to the hype with a world-class performance on the biggest stage winning both man of the match and Golden Ball of the tournament.
The 23-year-old, who recreated the iconic “Lunch atop a Skyscraper” photo with Ballon d’Or hopeful Ousmane Dembélé pre-match, is now undeniably the face of Chelsea’s resurgence.
This Club World Cup title follows Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League triumph in May and further validates the heavy investment made by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
PSG Unravel as Tempers Flare
PSG struggled to gain a foothold in the game and failed to recover from their poor first half. Missed first-half chances by Joao Neves and Desire Doue proved costly, while second-half efforts from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé were denied by an inspired Robert Sanchez.
Frustration boiled over late in the match. Joao Neves was shown a red card in the 85th minute after VAR caught him pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair, and post-match tensions escalated when PSG boss Luis Enrique appeared to slap Chelsea’s Joao Pedro. The incident required intervention from Presnel Kimpembe, with Enrique later claiming he was trying to break up a scuffle.
Having swept past top sides including Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Inter Milan to win the Champions League, PSG’s implosion in the final raises serious questions despite their decorated season.
Chelsea’s Unsung Heroes Shine
Beyond Palmer’s brilliance, Chelsea’s entire squad earned praise. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez delivered key saves, including one from close range to deny Dembélé. Right-back Malo Gusto was excellent defensively and going forward, while Joao Pedro netted his third goal in three appearances since joining the club.
Pedro Neto also impressed, helping nullify Achraf Hakimi with tireless pressing and tracking back.
What’s Next for Chelsea and PSG?
Following their summer triumph, Chelsea’s players will enjoy a short break before hosting Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan in a pre-season mini-tournament at Stamford Bridge on 8 and 10 August. Their Premier League campaign kicks off against Crystal Palace on 17 August.
PSG, meanwhile, will turn their attention to the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham on 13 August—a chance for redemption after a bruising night in New Jersey.