Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has reignited tensions after Chelsea’s dramatic 2-1 triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup final on December 22, 2025, in Qatar. Speaking in a fiery post-match press conference, the Spaniard dismissed the Blues’ victory as “luck” and branded the decisive late penalty “a referee’s gift.” Enrique, visibly seething, warned: “Chelsea didn’t dominate us. If we meet them again, they’ll pay the consequences.”
The final, played under the bright lights of Lusail Stadium, delivered high drama to millions watching worldwide. Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea entered as underdogs, hampered by injuries to Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Marc Guiu. PSG, stacked with stars including Mbappé, Neymar, and Dembélé, dictated early play—62% possession and seven first-half shots. Neymar’s exquisite 34th-minute free-kick gave the Parisians a deserved lead. But Chelsea clawed back when Noni Madueke’s deflected strike leveled the score in the 67th minute. The flashpoint came late: in the 88th minute, Ousmane Dembélé’s challenge on Pedro Neto was ruled a foul after a lengthy VAR check, handing Cole Palmer the chance to win it. The England midfielder coolly chipped home a Panenka to secure Chelsea’s second global crown.
Enrique’s frustration focused on that call. “It’s embarrassing,” he blasted. “Neto was already going down. VAR should have overturned it. Chelsea didn’t outplay us—they survived us. We had 18 shots to their nine, more corners, more duels. Luck and a referee, not quality, gave them this trophy.” PSG’s numbers backed parts of his case: an xG of 2.3 compared to Chelsea’s 1.1, with Mbappé guilty of spurning multiple clear chances. Yet Chelsea’s resilience told its own story, highlighted by Moisés Caicedo’s tireless defensive display. Maresca, measured as ever, countered: “Finals are about moments. PSG are world-class, but we took our chance.”
Fans and pundits were split. Social media erupted with more than 200,000 posts under #ClubWorldCup, PSG supporters crying “robbery,” while Chelsea fans hailed Palmer’s composure. Gary Neville called Enrique’s rant “sour grapes but not entirely wrong,” while Jamie Carragher retorted: “Chelsea won ugly. That’s what champions do.”
The victory crowns a remarkable rise for Maresca, who claimed a world title in his first season amid a squad rebuild. Palmer, now on 26 goals and 12 assists this campaign, has become the symbol of Chelsea’s revival. But Enrique’s threat lingers, especially with a potential Champions League meeting looming. PSG’s firepower remains formidable, and their hunger for redemption grows louder: “Next time, we finish them,” Enrique vowed.
For Chelsea, the focus now shifts back to domestic battles against Tottenham and Southampton. PSG, meanwhile, must channel their fury into Europe if they are to shed their reputation for falling short on the biggest stage. As one Chelsea fan put it online: “Lucky or not, we’ve got the trophy. See you in
