Chelsea’s players have pledged to donate part of their FIFA Club World Cup bonuses to support the family of late Portuguese footballers Diogo Jota and André Silva.

The Blues lifted the trophy at the expanded tournament in July 2025, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

The victory reportedly earned the club around $114.6 million (£84.4m). Of that, $15.5 million (£11.4m) was set aside for player bonuses, with each squad member receiving over $500,000 before taxes, employer costs, and social security deductions.

Following discussions between Chelsea officials and the squad, it was agreed that an equal amount to one player’s bonus would be donated to Jota’s family.

 

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Jota, a Liverpool forward, and his brother André Silva, who played for Portuguese side Penafiel, tragically lost their lives in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025—just ten days before Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph.

Liverpool have announced several tributes to honour Jota’s memory, including the permanent retirement of his number 20 shirt. The team will also wear a “Forever 20” emblem on their kits and jackets throughout the 2025–26 season. In addition, the club’s charitable arm, the LFC Foundation, will launch a grassroots football initiative in his name.

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In a game-changing decision that rewrites football history, FIFA has officially recognised Chelsea FC as the inaugural winners of the restructured and now fully FIFA-sanctioned Club World Cup, following their dominant 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 final.

The announcement, which forms part of FIFA’s wider effort to revamp the competition’s legacy structure, also clarifies the status of former winners of the Intercontinental Cup, a tournament jointly organised by UEFA and CONMEBOL from 1960 to 2004.

According to FIFA’s new directive, those past champions will now be formally addressed as “Intercontinental Champions,” no longer as world champions under FIFA’s umbrella.

This adjustment signals a significant shift in how global club supremacy is defined, clearly separating UEFA-CONMEBOL’s two-continent showdown from the modern, inclusive FIFA tournament that brings together club champions from all continents.

 

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Why the Sudden Shift?

FIFA’s restructuring is part of its long-term strategy to reflect the evolving dynamics of international football. While the Intercontinental Cup was once held in high regard, FIFA emphasized that it “was never officially organized by FIFA” and only featured representatives from Europe and South America, leaving out clubs from Africa, Asia, North America, and Oceania.

With FIFA now expanding the tournament’s reach and ensuring full global participation, the 2025 edition, won convincingly by Chelsea, has been positioned as the true beginning of the Club World Cup’s official legacy.

Clubs such as Real Madrid, Boca Juniors, AC Milan, and others that triumphed in the Intercontinental Cup will retain their historical prestige, but their titles have now been reclassified. Instead of being counted as Club World Cup titles, they will be recognised as “Intercontinental Champions,” preserving their achievements while drawing a distinct line between eras.

 

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Chelsea’s Historic Place in Football History

By defeating PSG with authority in this year’s final, Chelsea has now been enshrined as the first officially recognized FIFA Club World Cup winners under the new structure.

The win not only secured another prestigious trophy for the London club but also etched their name as the standard-bearers of a new era in global club football.

As FIFA prepares for an even larger and more competitive format in the future, this bold move redefines the benchmark for club greatness on the world stage, with Chelsea’s 2025 triumph as the starting point.

 

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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final took on a festival-like atmosphere as global music heavyweights lit up the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with electrifying halftime performances on Sunday, July 13.

As Chelsea stormed to a dominant 3-0 lead against Paris Saint-Germain by halftime, thanks to a brace from Cole Palmer and a strike from Joao Pedro, the break brought more than just tactical team talks.

Fans across the globe were treated to FIFA’s first-ever official halftime show at the Club World Cup final, featuring a star-studded lineup that included Doja Cat, Coldplay, J Balvin, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly.

American music sensation Doja Cat kicked off the show with a high-energy performance of her hit song “Woman”, setting the tone for the musical spectacle. British rock band Coldplay followed with their fan-favourite anthem “A Sky Full of Stars,” adding a euphoric touch to the already electric stadium atmosphere.

COLDPLAY AT FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP HALFTIME SHOW🏆🌍#Coldplay
📸 @dazngroup pic.twitter.com/jGlmSwQHUX

— Coldplay Tour🌙 (@coldplaytour_) July 13, 2025

Doja Cat performando o smash hit “Woman” na final da FIFA Club World Cup. Artista COMPLETA! ⚽️🔥
pic.twitter.com/t9kIfAVVfX

— Info Doja Cat (@infodoja) July 13, 2025

Colombian superstar J Balvin, widely known as the “Prince of Reggaeton,” brought Latin flair to the show with a vibrant set that reminded fans of his global hits like “Mi Gente” and “I Like It.” With multiple Latin Grammy wins and Grammy nominations, his presence underscored the event’s international appeal.

Nigeria’s own Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, delivered a soulful performance that stood out for its raw emotion and elegance. Dressed in a sleek black outfit, the Grammy-winning artist performed “Love Me Jeje,” captivating audiences with her signature vocals and magnetic stage presence. Her inclusion in the lineup further spotlighted Africa’s growing influence in global music culture.

Tems performing at the #FIFACWC Final ⚽️

She makes history as one of the first artists to headline the halftime show 👑 pic.twitter.com/qrT1D3ucIa

— tems 𝖘z𝖓 (@temsszn) July 13, 2025

Adding an inspirational moment to the evening was Emmanuel Kelly, an Australian singer who is celebrated as the world’s first differently-abled pop artist. His performance infused the show with emotional depth, reminding viewers of the unifying power of music.

The groundbreaking halftime show marked a cultural milestone for FIFA, blending elite football with global music in a way never seen before in the Club World Cup. With Chelsea in control on the pitch and international stars commanding the stage, the event was a fusion of sporting excellence and world-class entertainment.

Watch the FIFA’s FIRST EVER halftime show at the Club World Cup:

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Grammy-winning Nigerian songstress Tems captivated a global audience with a breathtaking performance during the FIFA Club World Cup Final halftime show, held at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Performing alongside international superstars Doja Cat and J Balvin, Tems delivered a moving live rendition of her hit single Love Me Jeje, seamlessly blending soulful vocals with rich African rhythms.

Clad in an elegant black ensemble, the Essence collaborator was flanked by drummers and dancers who added a vibrant cultural flair to the show. Her stage presence and emotive delivery drew praise from fans around the world, both at the stadium and online.

The performance marked a landmark moment, as it was the first-ever official halftime show in the history of the FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing FIFA’s growing embrace of global pop culture.

Tems’ appearance further solidifies her status as one of Africa’s most important musical exports, continuing to raise the bar for African artists on international platforms.

Tems performing at the #FIFACWC Final ⚽️

She makes history as one of the first artists to headline the halftime show 👑 pic.twitter.com/qrT1D3ucIa

— tems 𝖘z𝖓 (@temsszn) July 13, 2025

In other news, Nigerian music powerhouses Wizkid and Tems have once again etched their names into the annals of music history, setting new records for African artists globally.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Apple Music unveiled its official list of the most-streamed songs of all time, spotlighting tracks that have garnered the highest plays on the platform since its inception. Among the global chart-toppers, Wizkid and Tems stood tall as the top-performing African artists, cementing their legacy in the international music space.

Wizkid, through his 2016 global smash hit “One Dance” with Drake and Kyla, emerged as the highest-ranked African act on the all-time chart. The collaboration not only took over global charts upon release but has continued to enjoy immense streaming success almost a decade later, highlighting Wizkid’s enduring influence.

Tems, on the other hand, made history as the highest-ranked and only female African artist on the all-time list. Her Grammy-winning appearance on “Wait For U,” a collaboration with Future and Drake, catapulted her to new heights. The song, released in 2022, received widespread acclaim and reinforced her global appeal.

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has voiced deep concerns about the toll the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) could take on his squad, warning that the 2025/26 season might be “destroyed” by the packed schedule.

Guardiola’s comments echo recent criticisms by ex-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, who earlier slammed the tournament’s format and its impact on player welfare.

City are one of the elite European sides already confirmed for the 32-team competition, which will take place in the United States next summer.

While Guardiola is focused on the short term, he admitted that the long-term implications of adding another demanding tournament to an already relentless calendar are troubling.

“I try not to think about it, otherwise I will be so anxious,” Guardiola told journalists. “We will rest the time the Premier League allows us to. And game by game, month by month, we will see. And maybe in November, December, January, ask me, Pep. I may say: ‘So listen, we are a disaster. We are exhausted. The World Cup destroyed us.’”

The Spaniard said his priority for now is ensuring his players can regroup and re-energize, adding: “I try to be relaxed, to enjoy the days here, the good vibes that we have, the competition, to try to win it. And the most important thing, to recover, to find or re-find ourselves what we were. This is my main target in this tournament.”

Guardiola also backed Klopp’s stance, shedding light on their shared frustrations over the congested football calendar.

“I know where his idea comes from,” he said of Klopp’s criticism. “We fought a lot when we went to UEFA meetings, especially on improving the Premier League calendar and giving managers and players more rest. So his comments didn’t surprise me. I understand him. I respect him. I’ve had an incredible relationship with Jurgen over the years, even as rivals.”

Despite empathizing with Klopp’s frustration, Guardiola accepted that coaches must adapt to the realities of modern football. “At the same time, we are in a job. We follow FIFA, UEFA, and Premier League rules. Many teams might complain about these competitions because they aren’t part of it. If they were here, they’d likely enjoy the prestige, the media presence, the fanfare, and the revenue.”

Asked if he would prefer a longer pre-season instead, Guardiola didn’t hesitate. “Would I love to have two months to prepare for next season? Yes. Would I love to be refreshed? Yes. But it is what it is.”

The 2025 tournament in the U.S. will be the first edition under the new 32-team format, with many questioning the sustainability of such a demanding fixture list.

Manchester City’s Club World Cup journey continues on Monday as they face Al-Hilal in the round of 16. With forecasts predicting rain and possible lightning delays, Guardiola remains focused on getting through the fixtures without any major setbacks.

As City continue to chase silverware across all fronts, Guardiola knows the line between glory and burnout is becoming increasingly thin.

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The revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is in full swing across the United States, drawing 32 elite clubs from around the world into an intense battle for global supremacy and the coveted Golden Boot.

This year’s tournament, restructured to reflect the traditional FIFA World Cup format, has brought together football’s most illustrious teams and superstars. European heavyweights such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Juventus have stormed into the spotlight, while North America’s hopes rest on MLS contenders Inter Miami, LAFC, and the Seattle Sounders.

With glory, global bragging rights, and massive prize money at stake, top attackers are also locked in a fierce contest to finish as the competition’s highest scorer.

At the forefront is Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé, riding high after winning the 2024–25 European Golden Shoe. He’s joined in the scoring spotlight by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, and PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, fresh off their Champions League triumph.

And of course, Lionel Messi remains a formidable presence. Despite approaching 38, the Inter Miami talisman has already scored five goals in as many Club World Cup appearances and carries three titles under his belt. His veteran instincts and clinical finishing continue to dazzle fans and frustrate defenders.

As the tournament progresses, fans around the world are closely tracking the Golden Boot leaderboard, eager to see who will emerge as the top marksman on football’s grandest club stage.

FIFA Club World Cup Golden Boot Standings

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As the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 nears its conclusion, the tournament has officially shifted into high gear with the confirmation of teams advancing to the Round of 16.

Out of the 32 clubs that began the competition, only the top two sides from each of the eight groups have secured their spots in the knockout stage, ending the dreams of half the field.

While some teams fell short in the standings, they still delivered moments of brilliance, closely contested fixtures, and unforgettable displays that brought intensity to the early rounds.

Teams Eliminated After Group Stage

The following clubs have failed to progress, largely due to back-to-back defeats in their opening matches:

• Auckland City
• Los Angeles FC
• Urawa Red Diamonds
• Ulsan HD
• Wydad AC
• Al Ain
• Pachuca
• Atlético Madrid

The exit of Spanish giants Atlético Madrid in particular has shocked fans and pundits alike, given their pedigree and expectations entering the tournament.

As we move into the knockout rounds, all eyes are now on the 16 clubs that cut. The path to glory is set to intensify, with high-stakes clashes and title dreams on the line.

Stay tuned as the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 enters its defining stage.

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Premier League giants Chelsea have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of highly rated French centre-back Mamadou Sarr from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

The 19-year-old has penned an eight-year contract with the London club in a deal officially announced on Thursday.

Sarr’s move from Strasbourg a fellow BlueCo-owned club, comes at a crucial time for the Blues, with the FIFA Club World Cup around the corner.

According to reports by The Athletic, the young defender is expected to be included in manager Enzo Maresca’s squad for the tournament taking place in the United States this June.

The teenager enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season at Strasbourg, making 28 appearances across all competitions and playing a key role in helping the French outfit qualify for the UEFA Conference League play-off round.

Welcome to Chelsea, Mamadou Sarr!  🔵

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 9, 2025

Sarr, who began his development at Lens before moving to Lyon, made his professional debut for Lyon in 2023 before eventually joining Strasbourg. His rapid rise has caught the attention of top European clubs, but Chelsea have now secured his long-term services.

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior was full of praise for the youngster’s maturity and quality.
“I could talk about him for hours. His nickname is Mamadou Rosenior, he’s my son,” Rosenior gushed.
“It’s scary to show such performances at 19 with such calm in the face of such strong teams. He just has to stay humble and calm and he will be a top player for sure.”

With Chelsea drawn to face LAFC, Flamengo, and Esperance in the group stage of the Club World Cup, Sarr could potentially make his debut for the Blues during the global tournament, offering fans a glimpse of one of the club’s most promising acquisitions yet.

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Typically commencing in mid-June, the window has been temporarily adjusted following FIFA’s proposal to allow clubs involved in the tournament to fine-tune their squads beforehand.

According to the Premier League’s official statement, the transfer window will open from Sunday, June 1, to Tuesday, June 10. Importantly, this early period is not exclusive to teams participating in the Club World Cup—all clubs will be permitted to conduct transfer business during this timeframe.

However, FIFA regulations cap transfer windows at 12 weeks, meaning there will be a brief suspension before the window resumes on Monday, June 16, running as usual until it closes on Monday, September 1.

This adjustment presents a unique advantage for clubs eager to secure signings early. It also introduces an intriguing scenario where clubs might opt to pay transfer fees for players whose contracts typically expire on June 30, rather than waiting for free transfers.

Premier League clubs have today agreed the dates for the Summer 2025 Transfer Window.

Learn more here ⬇️

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 27, 2025

For instance, Real Madrid could negotiate with Liverpool to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup, even though the right-back would be available on a free transfer just a couple of weeks later.

This summer’s FIFA Club World Cup features Chelsea and Manchester City as the Premier League’s representatives. The stakes are high, with the tournament offering a staggering $125.8 million (£97.1 million) prize for the eventual champions.

With the early transfer window set to shake up the summer market, clubs will be looking to capitalize on this rare opportunity to strengthen their squads ahead of a historic tournament.

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The draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has officially taken place, generating excitement for the competition’s revamped format.

This new version of the tournament, initially slated to debut in China in 2021, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has now been set for the summer of 2025.

While the competition promises to be a global celebration of football, its format has sparked controversy, with some prominent clubs missing from the lineup and some qualifiers being seen as unusual.

The competition will feature 32 teams, with European clubs receiving the largest share of spots, securing 12 places. South America will contribute six teams, and there will be four teams each from Asia, Africa, and North America, with a single representative from Oceania.

Notably, European clubs are allowed to have multiple teams in the same group, meaning some groups will feature two European sides.

Clubs qualify through various criteria, including winning continental championships in the past four years or being highly ranked within their respective confederations.

There are also restrictions in place, limiting a maximum of two clubs from each country and reserving one spot for the host nation, which will be Inter Miami in this edition.

As the competition approaches, fans are eager to see how the tournament will unfold and whether the final champion will come from the traditionally dominant European or South American teams, or if an underdog from another continent can rise to the occasion.

🚨 🌍🏆 The Official poster for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. pic.twitter.com/YBnnToARKm

— Football Fans Tribe 🇳🇬 ⚽ (@FansTribeHQ) December 5, 2024

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

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Once a fierce rivalry between South America’s best and Europe’s finest, the competition has evolved over the years and will take on a new shape in 2024.

Though the trophy may no longer hold the same legacy-defining status in Europe, it remains a monumental achievement in other parts of the world.

In a bid to boost the prestige of the tournament, FIFA has expanded the Club World Cup for 2025, increasing the number of participating teams to 32.

This expansion is set to generate even greater excitement and competition on the global stage. As the tournament draws nearer, the much-anticipated draw for the competition is fast approaching.

When is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw?

The draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024. The event will kick off at 13:00 local time (19:00 CET / 18:00 GMT). This timing has been planned well ahead of the tournament’s start, which is scheduled for June 15, 2025.

Where is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw?

The draw will be held in Miami, one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a key venue for the upcoming tournament. As the competition takes place in the United States, FIFA has chosen Miami to host this pivotal event.

Football fans will be able to watch the draw live, as it will be streamed on FIFA.com, FIFA+, and other supporting channels.

How Does the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw Work?

The draw for the 2025 Club World Cup will feature all 32 teams that have qualified for the tournament. These teams will be divided into four pots, with eight teams in each pot. The draw will proceed as follows:

– Pot 1 teams will be drawn first, followed by Pot 2, and so on, until the draw is complete.
– The 32 teams will be grouped into eight groups of four teams, with each pot containing teams that will be drawn into different groups.
– Unlike other competitions such as the Champions League, there will be no separate knockout-round draws; the draw on December 5 will map out the route for each team to the final.

With the expanded format, this year’s Club World Cup promises to be one of the most exciting editions to date, providing a global showcase for the best clubs in the world.

The tournament’s expanded format is sure to generate plenty of anticipation as teams vie for glory in the United States next summer.

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Real Madrid have clarified their position on the new 32-team Club World Cup after comments from Carlo Ancelotti cast doubt over their participation.

Madrid were forced to make a public announcement, insisting that “at no time” have they ever considered not competing as reigning European champions at the next edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Ancelotti also backtracked after he was quoted by an Italian newspaper suggesting Madrid wouldn’t be involved.

Ancelotti’s interview with Il Giornale included the following remarks: “FIFA can forget it. The club and the footballers won’t participate in that tournament. One Real Madrid game is worth €20 million (£17m/$22m), and FIFA wants to give us that sum for the entire tournament. No way. Like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation.”

Both Ancelotti and Madrid were quick to respond to the outcry.

An official statement from the club read: “Real Madrid CF announces that at no time has its participation in the new Club World Cup to be organised by FIFA in the upcoming 2024/2025 season been questioned. Therefore, our club will compete, as planned, in this official competition that we face with pride and with the utmost enthusiasm to make our millions of fans around the world dream again with a new title.”

On X, Ancelotti posted: “In my interview with Il Giornale, my words about the FIFA Club World Cup were not interpreted in the way I intended. Nothing could be further from my interest than to reject the possibility of playing in a tournament that I consider could be a great opportunity to continue fighting for big titles with Real Madrid.”

The FIFA Club World Cup has undergone significant changes and will no longer be an annual mini-tournament for seven teams (six continental champions and one host representative) held over a few days in December.

The next edition has been expanded to 32 clubs and transformed into a quadrennial summer event lasting a full month, with the first set to begin in June 2025.

Additionally, FIFA has launched its own version of the old Intercontinental Cup, which serves as a more direct replacement for the previous Club World Cup.

This new annual event, scheduled for December, features a smaller format similar to the earlier Intercontinental Cup, held from 1960 until 2004, which pitted the European champions against the South American champions before merging with FIFA.

Real Madrid will soon welcome Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, enhancing the team that won last season’s European championship.

However, neither player is likely to be present when Ancelotti’s team plays their first game of a summer tour of the United States on July 31, due to their participation in Euro 2024 and Copa America, respectively.

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