Club World Cup Final 2025: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Chelsea – A Clash of Titans
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, set for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, promises an electrifying showdown between two European powerhouses: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea. This inaugural expanded 32-team tournament has culminated in a battle between the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, PSG, and the UEFA Conference League champions, Chelsea. Below, we delve into each team’s roster, their standout players, seasonal achievements, a comparison of their historical legacies, the surprises of this American-hosted tournament, and the storied history of the Club World Cup itself.
Paris Saint-Germain: Team Overview#
PSG enters the 2025 Club World Cup final as the team to beat, having dominated European football this season. Under the tactical brilliance of manager Luis Enrique, the Parisian side has showcased a relentless attacking style, bolstered by a robust defense. Their journey to the final included a 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid in the semifinals, with Fabián Ruiz and Ousmane Dembélé leading the charge. PSG’s squad is a blend of seasoned stars and emerging talents, making them a formidable force.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Goalkeeper, #1): Played 40 matches, 0 goal contributions. The Italian shot-stopper has been a rock, with 18 clean sheets this season.
- Achraf Hakimi (Right-back, #2): Played 42 matches, 5 goals, 8 assists. Hakimi’s pace and creativity have been vital on the right flank.
- Marquinhos (Center-back, #5): Played 38 matches, 2 goals, 1 assist. The captain provides leadership and defensive stability.
- Milan Škriniar (Center-back, #37): Played 35 matches, 1 goal, 0 assists. A reliable partner to Marquinhos in central defense.
- Nuno Mendes (Left-back, #25): Played 39 matches, 3 goals, 6 assists. His dynamic runs have bolstered PSG’s attack.
- Fabián Ruiz (Central Midfielder, #8): Played 44 matches, 12 goals, 10 assists. Ruiz’s vision and goal-scoring prowess shone against Real Madrid.
- Vitinha (Central Midfielder, #17): Played 43 matches, 8 goals, 12 assists. A key playmaker in Luis Enrique’s system.
- João Neves (Central Midfielder, #87): Played 41 matches, 4 goals, 7 assists. The young Portuguese star has been a revelation.
- Ousmane Dembélé (Right Winger, #10): Played 36 matches, 15 goals, 14 assists. His return from injury has been pivotal.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Left Winger, #77): Played 40 matches, 18 goals, 16 assists. The Georgian’s flair has electrified PSG’s attack.
- Gonçalo Ramos (Striker, #9): Played 38 matches, 22 goals, 5 assists. Ramos has been clinical, scoring in the semifinal.
Note: Participation and contribution stats are based on all competitions in the 2024/25 season up to the Club World Cup final.
PSG has had a historic season, securing an unprecedented quadruple. They clinched Ligue 1 with a record points tally, won the Coupe de France, and dominated the UEFA Champions League with a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final. Their Club World Cup campaign has been equally impressive, with a 4-0 win over Atlético Madrid, a 2-0 victory against Bayern Munich, and a 4-0 rout of Real Madrid. Luis Enrique’s tactical philosophy has transformed PSG into an “absolute machine,” as he predicted, with their hunger for trophies driving them toward a potential world title.
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, has undergone a renaissance in the 2024/25 season, returning to the UEFA Champions League for 2025/26 after a two-year absence. Their Club World Cup run has been marked by tactical flexibility and clinical finishing, exemplified by a 2-0 semifinal win over Fluminense, with João Pedro scoring both goals. Chelsea’s squad blends youth with experience, and their ambition to become the first English club to win the Club World Cup twice is palpable.
- Robert Sanchez (Goalkeeper, #1): Played 38 matches, 0 goal contributions. Sanchez has been crucial, with 15 clean sheets.
- Reece James (Right-back, #24): Played 32 matches, 2 goals, 6 assists. James’ injury recovery has bolstered Chelsea’s defense.
- Wesley Fofana (Center-back, #29): Played 36 matches, 1 goal, 0 assists. A strong presence in central defense.
- Levi Colwill (Center-back, #6): Played 34 matches, 2 goals, 2 assists. Colwill returns from suspension for the final.
- Ben Chilwell (Left-back, #21): Played 30 matches, 1 goal, 4 assists. Chilwell’s attacking runs add width.
- Enzo Fernández (Central Midfielder, #8): Played 40 matches, 6 goals, 10 assists. The Argentine orchestrates Chelsea’s midfield.
- Cole Palmer (Attacking Midfielder, #20): Played 42 matches, 16 goals, 13 assists. Palmer’s creativity is central to Chelsea’s attack.
- Noni Madueke (Right Winger, #11): Played 37 matches, 10 goals, 8 assists. Madueke’s pace troubles defenses.
- João Pedro (Striker, #9): Played 35 matches, 14 goals, 5 assists. His brace against Fluminense highlights his form.
- Nicolas Jackson (Striker, #15): Played 36 matches, 18 goals, 7 assists. Jackson’s finishing has been key.
- Jadon Sancho (Left Winger, #19): Played 33 matches, 9 goals, 11 assists. On loan, Sancho has rediscovered his spark.
Note: Participation and contribution stats are based on all competitions in the 2024/25 season up to the Club World Cup final.
Chelsea’s season has been a tale of resurgence. They won the UEFA Conference League, defeating Anderlecht in the final, marking their first European trophy since 2021. Their Premier League campaign has been solid, securing a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League. In the Club World Cup, Chelsea navigated a favorable draw, defeating Benfica (4-1), Palmeiras (2-1), and Fluminense (2-0). Maresca’s tactical experimentation has paid dividends, with new signings like João Pedro integrating seamlessly.
In the 2024/25 season, PSG has outshone Chelsea, securing a quadruple while Chelsea claimed the UEFA Conference League and a strong domestic finish. PSG’s dominance is evident in their goal-scoring prowess (8-0 aggregate against Madrid teams in the Club World Cup) and unbeaten knockout run, contrasting with Chelsea’s more pragmatic approach. However, Chelsea’s ability to adapt tactically under Maresca makes them a dangerous underdog.
Historically, Chelsea holds an edge in global success. They won the Club World Cup in 2021 against Palmeiras, making them the only English club with a shot at a second title. Their trophy cabinet includes two UEFA Champions League titles (2012, 2021), two Europa Leagues, and now the Conference League, showcasing their European pedigree. PSG, despite domestic dominance with 10 Ligue 1 titles since 2013, only secured their first Champions League in 2024. Their Club World Cup debut marks a new chapter, but their historical global impact lags behind Chelsea’s. The head-to-head record is tight, with PSG winning three of eight meetings, Chelsea two, and three draws, setting the stage for a fierce final.
The 2025 Club World Cup, hosted across 12 U.S. stadiums, has been a spectacle of surprises. The expanded 32-team format brought unexpected results, such as Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Palmeiras and FC Porto’s 4-4 thriller against Al Ahly. PSG’s 8-0 aggregate demolition of Atlético and Real Madrid stunned fans, while Chelsea’s tactical evolution under Maresca, leveraging a softer draw, defied expectations. Ticket price fluctuations, from $473.90 to $13.40 for semifinals, reflected initial overestimations of demand, surprising organizers. The tournament’s $1 billion prize pool, with the winner earning up to $125 million, underscored its commercial scale, yet the free streaming on DAZN democratized access, delighting global audiences. The absence of a third-place playoff and the use of original stadium names added unique twists, making this American edition a landmark event.
History of the Club World Cup#
The FIFA Club World Cup, launched in 2000 as the FIFA Club World Championship, has evolved from a seven-team annual event to the 2025 expanded 32-team tournament. Initially replacing the Intercontinental Cup, it faced challenges, including a canceled 2001 edition due to financial issues. From 2005, it became a consistent annual competition, primarily hosted in Japan, the UAE, and Qatar. European clubs have dominated, winning 15 of 20 titles, with Real Madrid holding a record five victories. South American sides, like Corinthians (2000, 2012), have also left their mark. The 2025 edition, with its $1 billion prize pool and global broadcast deal with DAZN, marks a new era, aiming to elevate the tournament’s prestige closer to the FIFA World Cup’s level. Manchester City’s 2023 triumph over Fluminense set the stage for this historic expansion.
The 2025 Club World Cup final pits PSG’s relentless attacking machine against Chelsea’s resurgent, tactically astute side. PSG’s star-studded lineup, led by Dembélé, Ruiz, and Ramos, faces a Chelsea team buoyed by Palmer, João Pedro, and a revitalized defense. While PSG’s quadruple and European dominance make them favorites, Chelsea’s historical edge in global competitions and Maresca’s adaptability could spring an upset. The American-hosted tournament has delivered shocks, from PSG’s routs to ticket price slashes, cementing its place as a groundbreaking event. As the Club World Cup evolves, this final at MetLife Stadium will define the legacy of two footballing giants, with the world watching to see who claims the **$125 million prizeיק
Sources: Data compiled from recent football reports and tournament updates available up to July 12, 2025.
