Cole Palmer (front) was Chelsea's outstanding player. © APA/afp / FRANCK FIFE

Final sensation: Chelsea takes apart PSG

Led by double goalscorer Cole Palmer, underdog Chelsea FC crowned themselves Club World Champions in front of Donald Trump – brutally demolishing Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

July 13, 2025

From: dpa

The English Premier League club's 3-0 victory was the most surprising and, at the same time, the best show at MetLife Stadium, just outside New York. Even British singer Robbie Williams and the music stars of the halftime show couldn't top the irresistible football performance against the hopeless Champions League winners. It was an absolute dream day for the Conference League winners from London.

The 81.118 spectators, including US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in the honorary section alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, were in awe throughout the 90 minutes. What was happening on the pitch of the massive football arena in the blazing afternoon sun?

Cucurella pulled by the hair

England international Palmer scored virtually identical goals twice with his left foot (22nd and 30th minutes), beating the helpless PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a low shot into the far corner.

Cole Palmer played PSG dizzy. © ANSA / JUSTIN LANE

New signing João Pedro (43'), who had only joined his new team during the tournament's quarter-finals, increased the lead with a technically fine lob over Donnarumma after a pass from Palmer. Chelsea's strong goalkeeper Robert Sanchez twice prevented a possible comeback for the Champions League winners with saves from João Neves (45'+2') and star striker Ousmane Dembélé (52').

In the closing stages, PSG player João Neves was shown a red card after a video review in the 86th minute for violent conduct. He had pulled the hair of Spain's European champion Marc Cucurella. It was also a triumph for Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. The Italian had set up his team with excellent tactics.