Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has attributed the club’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final to player fatigue, while expressing pride in his squad’s performance throughout the season.
Speaking in a post-match interview with PSG’s official website, Al-Khelaifi acknowledged Chelsea’s superior performance at the Tokyo National Stadium on Sunday, July 13, and congratulated the English Premier League side for their dominance in what was a high-stakes clash between two European powerhouses.
“Congratulations to Chelsea. They deserved their victory,” Al-Khelaifi stated, offering a gracious nod to the Blues. “We wanted to win this Club World Cup, but it’s difficult. The players gave their all. They were tired. We had a great season — the best in the club’s history.”
The French champions had entered the final as favourites, having clinched four major titles this season — the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Champions League. The Club World Cup would have been a historic fifth title for the Parisian side, a feat never achieved in a single season by any French club.
However, Chelsea had other plans. The London side, under the guidance of head coach Enzo Maresca, executed a tactical masterclass, shutting down PSG’s star-studded attack led by Kylian Mbappé, Bradley Barcola, and Xavi Simons. Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, and Reece James sealed the emphatic victory for the English club.
Despite the heavy scoreline, Al-Khelaifi refrained from pointing fingers or criticizing individual performances. Instead, he highlighted the grueling nature of PSG’s 2024–2025 campaign and the cumulative physical and mental toll it took on the squad.
“This defeat is good for us, for next season. We have to be humble. We’re the youngest team in the competition,” he added, signaling a call for reflection and growth.
PSG fielded a starting XI with an average age of just 24. The club has recently shifted toward a youth-focused philosophy following the departure of global superstar Lionel Messi and the gradual transition away from aging players in favour of homegrown and emerging talent. This strategic transformation, championed by Al-Khelaifi, is intended to build a sustainable dynasty capable of dominating both French and international football for years to come.
While PSG fans were disappointed by the outcome, many have expressed support for the players, citing the fatigue from an extended campaign that saw the team play more than 65 matches across all competitions. The travel demands, particularly the intercontinental journey to Japan for the Club World Cup, added to the strain.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), reactions were mixed. French journalist Julien Laurens wrote: “PSG fell short tonight, but it’s been a sensational season for the club. There’s no shame in this defeat. The squad will learn from it.”
Chelsea, for their part, celebrated their victory with wild jubilation. The win marked their second FIFA Club World Cup title, having first won it in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel. Maresca, who took over the club at the start of the season, praised his side’s discipline and mentality in a match that many had predicted would favour PSG.
“We had a plan, and the players executed it perfectly. It’s a proud day for Chelsea Football Club,” Maresca told reporters after the game. “PSG are a great team, but tonight was our night.”
This latest defeat means PSG will have to wait at least another year to secure their first Club World Cup title — a trophy that continues to elude them despite domestic and European dominance.
Looking ahead, Al-Khelaifi and the PSG hierarchy are expected to reinforce the squad in the upcoming transfer window. Although no major signings have been confirmed yet, reports suggest the club is targeting a new central defender and a backup goalkeeper, with AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw and Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow on the radar.
Nonetheless, Al-Khelaifi remains optimistic that the lessons learned in Tokyo will benefit the club in the long run.
“We’re building something special. Today is a reminder that success requires humility, discipline, and patience. We’ll be back stronger,” he concluded.
As the dust settles from the Club World Cup final, attention now turns to the summer break and the preparations for the 2025–2026 season. PSG will embark on a pre-season tour in North America before returning to France for the new Ligue 1 campaign in August.
While the dream of lifting five trophies in one season remains unfulfilled, PSG’s journey in 2025 has laid the foundation for what could become a golden era — one marked not only by silverware but by strategic reinvention and long-term vision.
