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| 사진=REUTERS Yonhap News |
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| 사진=REUTERS Yonhap News |
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| 사진=Getty Images via AFP-GETTY IMAGE Yonhap News |
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Chelsea (England) has become the first champion of the Club World Cup, which has actually been reborn as a new tournament.
Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain (PSG, France) 3-0 in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on the 14th (Korea time). With this victory, Chelsea won the `two gold medals' after the 2024-2025 Conference League (UECL).
At the heart of the victory was Cole Palmer. He set the tone by scoring consecutively in the 22nd and 30th minutes of the first half. Chelsea broke the opponent's will by tying João Pedro's net in the 43rd minute of the first half. PSG received a red card in the 40th minute of the second half after João Neves pulled Chelsea Marc Cucurella's hair and then a VAR. PSG, which was in numerical inferiority, effectively self-destructed. Palmer, who scored two goals and one assist alone on the day, was selected as the best player of the finals and the best player of the tournament.
Chelsea will be awarded an astronomical prize with this victory. The Club World Cup has been expanded to 32 teams. The prize money has also increased significantly. The cost of winning the final match alone is 40 million dollars (approx. 55 billion won). According to Vine Sports, a global sports media outlet, Chelsea expects the total prize money to reach $129.5 million, including the yet-to-be-confirmed participation fee in each game.
PSG challenged for an unprecedented five gold medals this season, but bowed out on the final stage. PSG has won all four previous championships, including the French League 1, the European Champions League (UCL), the Coupe de France (French Cup), and the Trope de Champion (French Super Cup).
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| 사진=Getty Images via AFP-GETTY IMAGE Yonhap News |
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| 사진=AP Yonhap News |
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It was by far whether Lee Kang-in (PSG) would play or not that attracted the attention of Korean fans. Lee Kang-in played as a substitute in four of the seven games of this tournament. I played about 10 to 20 minutes per game. He scored one goal on a penalty kick. He was also listed on the roster, but only kept the bench.
Lee Kang-in rode a roller coaster this season. He was an ace for PSG at the beginning of the season. Due to the team's circumstances, he played his part in various positions, selection and bench-bound situations. However, the mood has changed since the winter transfer market. He didn't seem to be able to establish himself properly in the competition. In the end, he spent more time on the bench. In particular, he did not have a proper opportunity on the UCL stage. There was no reversal at the Club World Cup. He has played a total of 49 games this season, including 30 in the league, 11 in the UCL, 3 in the French Cup, 1 in the Super Cup and 4 in the Club World Cup. It ended a long season with a total of seven goals and six assists.
He was at the center of various transfer rumors in an ambiguous position. French media Lekif recently reported that `Lee Kang-in and others will discuss transfer after the Club World Cup.' He is currently known to be attracting attention from Naples (Italy). Some raised the possibility of a swap transfer to Real Madrid (Spain).
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| 사진=REUTERS Yonhap News |
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| 사진=Getty Images via AFP-GETTY IMAGE Yonhap News |
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Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump watched the final with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. After the game, he took the podium at the awards ceremony and served as a presenter. Also, when Chelsea captain Reece James flashed the trophy, President Trump enjoyed himself by the players.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
