Cole Palmer’s Brace, João Pedro’s Finish, and Robert Sanchez’s Heroics Secure Historic Win Over Champions League Giants
In a jaw-dropping finale at MetLife Stadium, Chelsea FC shocked the football world by dismantling newly crowned Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to claim the FIFA Club World Cup. The English side, who only managed a fourth-place Premier League finish last season, delivered a clinical and composed performance in front of 81,118 fans, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
Rising star Cole Palmer scored twice in the first half, while João Pedro added a third, capping off a blistering counterattack that left PSG reeling. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was instrumental, making several key saves—including a jaw-dropping stop on Ousmane Dembélé, to keep a clean sheet and maintain Chelsea's commanding lead.
The high-stakes clash saw tempers flare late, with PSG's frustration boiling over into skirmishes and cards, including a red for Neves after an off-ball incident with Marc Cucurella. Chelsea, however, kept their composure to seal a statement win over the tournament favorites.
Following James' decision to step aside, the team proceeded with their celebrations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino accompanied former U.S. President Donald Trump onto the field, allowing the team to celebrate independently.
As President Trump entered the pitch at MetLife Stadium to take part in the Club World Cup trophy ceremony, he was met with audible boos from the crowd. Despite the reception, he acknowledged the audience with a wave and joined Infantino for the post-match formalities.
Trump, who followed Infantino in the lineup to congratulate the players, presented several awards: he handed Doue the Young Player of the Tournament award, Sanchez received the Golden Glove, and Palmer was awarded the Golden Ball as the match's Most Valuable Player.
The crowd’s reaction intensified when Trump and Infantino posed with FIFA referees for a photograph. Throughout the ceremony, Trump greeted players with handshakes and occasional pats on the back as they passed him on stage.
The tournament drew global attention, with FIFA reporting nearly 2.5 million attendees across all matches and over $2.1 billion in revenue, despite criticism over empty seats during earlier games.
But on this night in New Jersey, the headlines belonged to Chelsea, a team counted out by many, but crowned world champions emphatically.
0 Comments