In the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, Chelsea triumphed over UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain with a dominant 3-0 win. Cole Palmer scored a brace, while Jo’o Pedro provided the final touch, enabling the Blues to secure their second Club World Cup title since 2021.
However, the match’s most significant talking point wasn’t Chelsea’s convincing victory but rather the chaotic scenes involving PSG players and staff, particularly head coach Luis Enrique, whose controversial actions have sparked widespread criticism.
PSG Collapses Under Pressure
Entering the final as favorites, PSG quickly lost control of the match. Chelsea overwhelmed them in the first half and then slowed the tempo in the second half through ball possession, further frustrating the French side.
Tensions boiled over when PSG midfielder João Neves was shown a straight red card for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair. Friction between players from both sides only escalated as the match progressed.
Luis Enrique Loses Temper, Chaos Ensues Post-Match
Throughout the game, Enrique repeatedly expressed anger toward the referees, especially over Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo’s controversial tackles that went unpunished. After the final whistle, tensions exploded.
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma clashed with Chelsea’s Andrey Santos. João Pedro attempted to shield his teammate but was then confronted by Enrique, who charged into the fray and appeared to choke and slap Pedro, sending him to the ground.
Chelsea players, believing Donnarumma had pushed Pedro, rushed over and began shoving the Italian goalkeeper. The confrontation quickly spiraled into a mass brawl, with nearly 30 players and staff members involved.
Maresca Praised for Composure
In stark contrast, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca maintained calm under pressure. He rushed into the melee, pulling his players away while repeatedly urging them to “stay calm” and “don’t retaliate.” Fans and media alike widely praised his composed response.
Enrique Responds to Allegations
In a post-match interview, Enrique defended his actions, saying, “My intention was obvious; I just wanted to separate the players. I didn’t want the situation to worsen. I saw Maresca’s reaction too, and we both tried to split everyone up. These are situations we all must try to avoid.”
FIFA Disciplinary Action Likely
However, Enrique’s explanation didn’t convince critics. Spanish refereeing expert Iturralde González stated, “His behavior violates the code of sportsmanship. FIFA may suspend him, and he could be banned from managing for some time.”
Enrique, who once led Barcelona and PSG to multiple titles, has now been criticized for showing a complete lack of composure.
Pedro: PSG Couldn’t Accept Defeat
In his interview, João Pedro clarified that he was not the instigator. “I saw my teammate Andrey Santos surrounded, so I stepped in to protect him,” Pedro explained. “As more players rushed in, the chaos knocked me down. This is part of football, but maybe they couldn’t accept the loss.”
A Loss Beyond the Scoreline
For PSG, the loss extended beyond the scoreboard. Their coach’s outburst could tarnish the club’s image and overshadow an otherwise strong season.
In contrast, Chelsea walked away not just as champions but as a team that displayed discipline and respect. In football, true greatness lies not only in winning but in how you win, and this time, Chelsea earned both the trophy and the world’s respect.
