Club World Cup 2025: Palmer Stars as Chelsea Beat PSG 3-0, Trump Joins Trophy Ceremony
Cole Palmer Surprised as Donald Trump Joins Chelsea’s Club World Cup Celebration
In a moment that caught global attention and sparked widespread social media buzz, Chelsea’s rising star Cole Palmer was left visibly stunned when former U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly remained on stage during Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup trophy celebration. The surreal scene unfolded at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday night, shortly after Chelsea clinched an emphatic 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the final.
Trump Steals the Spotlight During Chelsea’s Trophy Presentation
Trump had been announced earlier as one of the dignitaries attending the Club World Cup final, but few expected him to be so directly involved in the post-match proceedings. Standing alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James and surprisingly chose to stay on stage as the team erupted in celebration.
The bizarre moment saw Cole Palmer exchange confused glances with his teammates. Speaking after the match, Palmer admitted:
I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes.
Reece James, who received the trophy from Trump, also weighed in:
They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage. I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay.
With fireworks exploding and confetti raining down, Trump appeared unfazed by the awkwardness, even as he briefly congratulated the players. James added:
To be honest, it was quite loud. I couldn’t hear too much. He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.
Cole Palmer Shines as Chelsea Stun PSG
Despite the unexpected political cameo, the spotlight firmly belonged to Cole Palmer, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance. The 23-year-old midfielder scored two stunning goals and assisted another, as Chelsea dismantled PSG, the tournament favorites, in front of a packed stadium.
Palmer struck twice in the first half, placing both goals in the same corner past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, before setting up Joao Pedro for the third goal. The result handed Chelsea their second FIFA Club World Cup title and capped a season that also included their UEFA Conference League triumph.
Reflecting on the win, Palmer said:
Obviously it’s a great feeling. Even better because everyone doubted us before the game. But to go out there and put on a fight like we did against a great team, it’s good.
Palmer’s goals were especially significant considering they came almost exactly a year after he scored in England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain. He joked about his knack for scoring in finals:
I like finals and it happened again. The gaffer put a great game plan out. He knew where the space was going to be. I just had to repay him and score some goals.
Enzo Maresca: Chelsea Are Building Something Special
Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca has received widespread praise for rejuvenating the club’s playing style and results. Speaking after the final, Maresca credited his tactical setup and the collective effort of the squad for the dominant win.
Today we found a position for Cole where there was space to attack,” said Maresca. I’m happy for Cole but the effort from all the players has been fantastic.
Maresca emphasized that Chelsea had seized control early:
We won the game in the first 10 minutes. We set the tempo and controlled the match from there.
Despite the high-profile nature of the final and its theatrical halftime show reminiscent of an NFL Super Bowl, Maresca stayed focused on the team’s development.
Our future is very exciting,” he concluded. “But I’m more excited for three weeks off!”
What’s Next for Chelsea?
Chelsea’s players won’t have long to dwell on their Club World Cup triumph. The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off in just a month, with the Blues set to face Crystal Palace in their opener on August 17, live on Sky Sports.
With Cole Palmer’s breakthrough performances, Reece James back in full fitness, and Enzo Maresca’s dynamic tactics gaining momentum, Chelsea fans have every reason to be optimistic heading into the new campaign.
Meanwhile, the viral image of Donald Trump standing awkwardly beside celebrating Chelsea players continues to circulate online, cementing this Club World Cup final as one of the most unforgettable — and unexpected — football moments of the year.
