From Chelsea’s unexpected charge to the final and eventual victory over tournament favourites, PSG, to the dramatic collapse of European powerhouses, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup delivered spectacular football.
The tournament served unexpected drama, unforgettable performances, and clear lessons ahead of the new European season on American soil. Here are the four key takeaways.
🔥João Pedro & Chelsea Will Be a Problem:
Joao Pedro only needed a handful of games to confirm what many suspected—Chelsea’s gamble on the young Brazilian is already paying off.
Signed from Brighton earlier this summer, Pedro has slotted into Enzo Maresca’s high-pressing, fluid attack like he’s been there for years.
His match-winning brace against Fluminense in the semi-final, including a stunning solo effort, and his deft chip over Donnarumma in the final underlined both his composure and creativity.
But beyond the goals, Pedro’s link-up play with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto offered a glimpse of Chelsea's new attacking trio—dynamic, interchangeable, and ruthless.
Chelsea has quietly built one of Europe’s most dangerous frontlines. With Pedro as the No. 9 who can drop deep, stretch defences, and finish sharply, Maresca’s side now has a blueprint that works—and silverware to back it.
🥶‘Cold’ Palmer Is Back:
Cole Palmer had been relatively quiet since the middle of last season, even going on a long goal drought, but in the States, he came alive again—and with icy precision.
Nicknamed "Cold Palmer" for his ‘I’m too cold’ goal celebration and unfazed, clinical style, the 22-year-old Englishman reminded everyone why he’s one of the Premier League’s most lethal young playmakers.
He created four (4) big chances, scored three (3) goals and provided two (2) assists from the 7 games he played for the London club in the tournament, with the biggest of his contributions coming on the biggest of stages.
9️⃣Real Madrid Has a New No. 9 (Watch Out, Mbappe):
With Kylian Mbappe missing the biggest part of the tournament due to illness, many wondered if Real Madrid would struggle for firepower. Instead, up stepped Gonzalo Garcia.
The young Spaniard scored four goals in six matches, including a brace against Pachuca and a poacher’s finish versus Juventus and Dortmund in the R16 and quarter-finals of the competition, earning him the Golden Boot award for the top scorer of the tourney.
Beyond the goals, Garcia’s movement, pressing, and willingness to occupy central defenders gave Madrid the attacking balance they lacked when relying solely on wide players like Vinicius and Rodrygo.
While Mbappe remains the marquee man, Garcia’s emergence poses a new tactical question: Does Xabi Alonso consider giving the No. 9 role a new home again after Karim Benzema’s departure?
🤭No Team Is Unbeatable – Ask PSG:
Luis Enrique’s PSG had been untouchable. They crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final, beat Bayern Munich and Real Madrid on their way to the Club World Cup final, and looked on course for an unprecedented quadruple. Then came Chelsea.
The 3-0 defeat to Maresca’s side in the final was one no pundit, no journalist, no analyst saw coming. Despite dominating possession and creating some decent chances, PSG were repeatedly undone by direct counters and relentless man-to-man pressing, something they are known for.
The lesson? No team—no matter how good—is invincible. PSG’s high line and risk-heavy attacking transitions were finally punished, and while PSG's trophy haul in 2025 will go down in history, this defeat is a reminder that tactics still beat tactics.
From Chelsea’s tactical evolution to Real Madrid’s next star striker, and PSG’s late stumble, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was more than a showcase—it was a statement.
The European season that lies ahead will now be shaped by the lessons learned under the American lights.
🔗You can check out today’s games here on MSport.
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