Chelsea Stun Champions League Holders PSG in Club World Cup Final as Cole Palmer Shines
Chelsea Triumph Over PSG in Thrilling Club World Cup Final
By Harry Bamforth and Kieran Gill | Updated: 22:17 BST, 13 July 2025
Image: Chelsea players celebrate with the trophy after defeating PSG
METLIFE STADIUM, NEW JERSEY – Chelsea stunned Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in a dramatic Club World Cup final, securing a historic victory on penalties after a 3-3 draw in regulation time. Cole Palmer emerged as the hero, scoring twice and converting the decisive spot-kick to seal the trophy for the Blues.
Match Summary
Chelsea 3-3 PSG (4-2 on penalties)
Goals:
- Chelsea: Palmer (23’, 64’), Nkunku (82’)
- PSG: Mbappé (45+1’, 72’), Dembélé (53’)
[Image: Cole Palmer celebrates his first-half goal against PSG]
The clash began with Chelsea dominating possession, and Palmer opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a clinical finish after PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma parried a shot from Raheem Sterling. PSG’s Kylian Mbappé equalized in stoppage time, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot home.
PSG surged ahead early in the second half when Ousmane Dembélé fired into the bottom corner, but Palmer leveled again with a superb solo effort, dribbling past two defenders before curling the ball into the net. Mbappé struck once more for PSG, only for Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku to head in an 82nd-minute equalizer, sending the game to penalties.
In the shootout, Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic saved efforts from Achraf Hakimi and Manuel Ugarte, while Palmer, Enzo Fernández, Conor Gallagher, and Nkunku all converted calmly.
Key Moments
- Palmer’s Masterclass: The 22-year-old dazzled with creativity and composure, outshining PSG’s star-studded attack. His performance solidified his status as Chelsea’s talisman.
- Mbappé’s Swansong?: Despite his brace, speculation swirled post-match about Mbappé’s imminent move to Real Madrid. The Frenchman waved to PSG fans but avoided confirming his departure.
- Defensive Blunders: Both teams struggled defensively, with PSG’s Marquinhos and Chelsea’s Levi Colwill making costly errors.
[Image: Kylian Mbappé acknowledges fans after the final whistle]
Post-Match Reactions
Cole Palmer: "This is what you dream of as a kid – scoring in a World Cup final. The lads showed unbelievable character."
Mauricio Pochettino (Chelsea manager): "I’m proud of this group. People doubted us, but we proved today that Chelsea are back where we belong."
Luis Enrique (PSG manager): "Penalties are a lottery. We had chances to win, but credit to Chelsea. Kylian? We’ll see what happens next."
Transfer Talk: Mbappé to Madrid?
Post-match, reports surged that Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid is “99% done,” with an announcement expected next week. Fans at MetLife Stadium chanted “Hala Madrid” as the forward exited the pitch.
Fan Reactions
- Chelsea supporters erupted in chants of “Cole Palmer, he’s one of our own!”
- PSG fans displayed banners thanking Mbappé, amid tearful farewells.
[Image: Chelsea fans celebrate with flares after the victory]
Man of the Match: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s two goals and leadership earned him the award, capping a stellar season for the England international.
What’s Next?
- Chelsea: Head to Los Angeles for a pre-season tour.
- PSG: Begin Ligue 1 title defense on July 20.
Final Score: Chelsea 4-2 PSG (pens).
[Image: Chelsea lift the Club World Cup trophy in New Jersey]
Relive the drama with highlights on Mail Sport’s live blog and video coverage.
