The boy from Wythenshawe who was spotted atop the Rockefeller Center on Friday rose to global stardom on Sunday, delivering a sensational performance in the searing New Jersey heat to lead Chelsea to the Club World Cup title. Cole Palmer, with his trademark calm and confidence, delivered two almost identical goals and set up a third as Chelsea outclassed PSG 3-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium.
Palmer’s performance — stylish, assured, and clinical — was the heartbeat of Chelsea’s triumph in the billion-dollar tournament, with their name now engraved on the gold Tiffany trophy alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s. U.S. President Donald Trump, who presented the trophy amid loud boos, was swiftly pushed aside by jubilant Chelsea players eager to celebrate their historic achievement.
Reece James, club captain, lifted the trophy as fireworks erupted and the Chelsea anthem “Blue is the Colour” rang out. For PSG, who had looked unstoppable throughout the competition, the final became a nightmare. Chelsea executed a perfect game plan, outthinking and outplaying the French giants.
From the outset, Chelsea’s intent was clear. Instead of sitting back, they pressed high and moved the ball quickly into the spaces behind PSG’s high line, often starting from goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. Their strategy paid off just 22 minutes in.
Chelsea Crowned Club World Cup Champions After Stunning 3-0 Win Over PSG
A long diagonal from Sánchez found Malo Gusto down the right. Though his initial shot was blocked, Gusto recovered and cut the ball back to Palmer. With characteristic composure, Palmer opened up his body and curled a shot low into the bottom corner. It was a clinical finish, and Chelsea were 1-0 up.
Just eight minutes later, Palmer repeated the feat. Again cutting in from the right, he feigned a pass to Gusto, fooling defenders Marquinhos and Lucas Beraldo. With a subtle shift of his hips, he created space and picked out the same spot in the bottom corner. Two near-identical goals in just half an hour had Chelsea cruising.And Palmer wasn’t done yet.
On the cusp of halftime, he picked up the ball near the halfway line, glided past midfielders, and played a silky pass through to João Pedro, who calmly chipped Gianluigi Donnarumma. The move, swift and smooth, was Chelsea at their counterattacking best.By halftime, Chelsea had completed only 126 passes — a surprisingly low figure, but by de
PSG tried to respond after the break, helped by a 24-minute halftime, but Chelsea’s defence, anchored by Sánchez, held firm. The Spanish keeper denied Fabián Ruiz, Kvaratskhelia, and Dembélé with a string of brilliant saves. Even when PSG dominated possession — peaking near 70% — Chelsea looked unbothered.
Luis Enrique’s frustrations boiled over. As the final whistle neared, tempers flared. João Neves tugged Marc Cucurella’s hair, prompting a red card, and Luis Enrique appeared to grab João Pedro’s throat amid chaotic scenes. PSG unraveled, while Chelsea remained composed.
As the match wound down, Chelsea played keep-ball to a chorus of “olés” from their fans. Every pass, every clearance, was cheered. Substitute Liam Delap even came close to adding a fourth with two late chances. On the bench, shirts reading “World Champions 2025” were handed out. It was official.
For Palmer, this was a breakout performance on the global stage. Just 22, the former Manchester City academy product has become Chelsea’s talisman. His effortless brilliance — two goals and an assist — defined the final and secured the club’s first Club World Cup title.
In a match many expected PSG to dominate, it was Chelsea who wrote history. From precise tactics to unshakable mentality, Mauricio Pochettino’s men were faultless. And in Cole Palmer, they found a star who didn’t just rise to the occasion — he owned it.
Source- theguadian
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