Cole Palmer delivered a stunning first-half performance to fire Chelsea to a stunning 3-0 win over Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 22-year-old produced two superb goals and a deft assist to dismantle Luis Enrique’s side before half-time, as the Blues lifted their second title of the 2024/25 season.
Palmer’s brilliance was the difference in a match played under sweltering conditions, turning a hyped clash into a one-sided contest.
Palmer, who had already caught the eye with his form throughout the tournament, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a left-footed finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The winger doubled Chelsea’s lead eight minutes later, controlling a long ball from Trevoh Chalobah and finishing with calm after sending Lucas Beraldo to the ground.
The former Manchester City man then turned provider just before the break, chipping a perfectly weighted pass over PSG’s backline for Joao Pedro to fire home Chelsea’s third.
Palmer’s performance capped a dominant showing from Enzo Maresca’s side, who mirrored PSG’s ruthless approach in their 4-0 semi-final win over Real Madrid and turned the script on the French champions.