In the recently concluded Club World Cup semi-final, Premier League giants Chelsea secured their place in the final with a convincing 2-0 victory over South American contenders Fluminense, thanks to a brilliant brace from new signing João Pedro.
This marks the Blues’ return to the final stage of the tournament for the first time since winning the title in 2022.
This victory not only solidified Chelsea’s status as a dominant force on the global stage but also earned the club a whopping £22.1 million (approximately RM127.72 million) in prize money, making them one of the tournament’s most prominent highlights.
Prize Winnings Already Exceed £60 Million.
So far in this Club World Cup campaign, Chelsea’s earnings have been substantial. From the group stage to the final, the Blues have collected £33.5 million in performance-related bonuses. Their total prize earnings, including participation fees from each stage, have now surpassed £60 million, or approximately RM346.76 million!
Should Chelsea go on to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the final, they will secure an additional £30 million (around RM173.4 million) in championship bonuses, bringing their total earnings to nearly £100 million (approximately RM578 million). This would set a new club record for the most prize money earned in a single international competition.
Chelsea’s Semi-Final Attendance Ranks Third
As the tournament progresses, expectations among Chelsea supporters continue to rise. A total of 70,556 spectators attended the semi-final, creating an electrifying atmosphere that showcased Chelsea’s massive global fanbase.
This attendance ranked third in the entire tournament, trailing only the match between PSG and Atlético Madrid (80,619) and the match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund (76,611).
Caicedo Injury a Major Concern
Despite their successful advancement to the final, Chelsea suffered a setback as midfield stalwart Moisés Caicedo sustained an ankle injury during the match. His availability for the final remains uncertain.
Head coach Enzo Maresca shared in the post-match press conference, “Our medical staff is working hard, and we hope Caicedo will recover by Sunday. If he makes it to the final, it will be a moment of pride for the entire squad.”
Maresca also expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and praised João Pedro: “He was brilliant; this is exactly why we signed him.” However, the manager subtly criticized the scheduling, stating, “Our opponents had a full month of rest, while our last extended break was 13 months ago.” implying the physical strain the team has endured.
Thiago Silva Shines Against Former Club
The match was particularly emotional for 40-year-old Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, who faced his former club Chelsea for the first time since leaving the Blues.
Silva delivered a passionate performance, making several key defensive stops and displaying the experience and determination of a veteran.
While Fluminense ultimately couldn’t withstand Chelsea’s attack and conceded twice, Silva’s tireless effort and heart on the pitch earned him applause and deep respect from the fans. The former Chelsea center-back, who served the club for four years, once again showed why he remains admired both on and off the pitch.
One Step Away from Glory
With Chelsea powering into the Club World Cup final, they now stand just one step away from regaining the global crown. Up next, they face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be an epic showdown.
This is more than just a title decider; it’s an actual test of Chelsea’s strength, depth, and hunger to reclaim their spot at the top of world football. This determined English powerhouse is now the center of attention.
