Chelsea’s journey to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 marks a significant milestone for the club, offering both financial relief and a testament to their tactical growth under head coach Enzo Maresca.
Financial Lifeline Amid UEFA Sanctions
The London-based club has already secured $104 million USD (approximately £76.5 million) in prize money by reaching the final. With a championship win, Chelsea could earn even more. This windfall comes at a critical time, as the club faces UEFA penalties for breaching financial fair play regulations. The earnings serve as a much-needed financial cushion, possibly preventing further sanctions next season.
Tactical Maturity and Squad Depth
Since the tournament began, Chelsea has demonstrated noticeable improvements in both mentality and tactics. The team bounced back impressively from a chaotic loss to Flamengo by dominating Fluminense in the semi-finals. New signing Joao Pedro emerged as a standout, scoring a decisive brace and earning praise from fans and pundits alike.
Enzo Maresca has taken the competition seriously, rotating his squad smartly and adapting to various global playing styles. Chelsea has shown attacking versatility, with 14 goals scored by 10 different players. The return of Cole Palmer to midfield has also added creative depth.
Interestingly, Chelsea’s second-place finish in Group D turned out to be beneficial, landing them in a more favorable knockout bracket. Now, the final at MetLife Stadium awaits—a challenge that will test the Blues against either PSG or Real Madrid.
Injury Concerns for Key Midfielders
However, not all news is positive. Midfielder Moises Caicedo suffered a suspected ankle sprain during injury time in the semi-final. Although Maresca assured fans the injury doesn’t appear serious, Caicedo’s availability for the final remains uncertain.
Another injury concern is 21-year-old Dario Essugo, who is likely to miss the final due to a muscle strain. Maresca noted he may return in time for the new season, but his absence will affect Chelsea’s midfield rotation.
Celebrating a Historic Season
Head coach Enzo Maresca called the team’s achievement “a fantastic accomplishment” in his post-match interview. “We’ve had a great season—Top 4 in the Premier League, Conference League champions, and now finalists in the Club World Cup. We’re very, very happy.”
Joao Pedro also shared his excitement, describing his debut performance as “a dream” after scoring two goals. While expressing respect for his former club Fluminense, he emphasized his commitment to Chelsea, “They pay me to score goals, and that’s what I did today.”
Chelsea now looks ahead to the final, brimming with confidence despite injury concerns. A victory would cap off a remarkable season and deliver another major trophy under Maresca’s first-year leadership. Regardless of the outcome, Chelsea’s deep run in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has already proven to be a strategic and symbolic win on multiple fronts.