Fenerbahçe head coach José Mourinho has downplayed Chelsea’s recent triumph at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, likening the tournament’s competitiveness to pre-season matches and declaring Paris Saint-Germain the true “big winners” of the past season.
Speaking to journalists this week, the legendary Portuguese tactician offered a blunt and controversial take on the London club’s global success, saying that while Chelsea may celebrate the trophy, its significance on a competitive level remains questionable.
Chelsea stunned fans and critics alike earlier this month when they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in a commanding final performance to claim the 2025 Club World Cup title. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues showcased a revitalized squad and tactical maturity as they marched past tough opposition including Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense en route to the final.
Despite the impressive run, Mourinho remained unimpressed.
“The run to the semi-finals reminded me every time I went to the United States for pre-season with Real Madrid and Inter,” Mourinho said. “It reminded me a little of those games we played there. So, I think this Club World Cup title is only important for Chelsea, as they’ll sell a lot of jerseys with the logo on there.”
PSG Still the True Champions, Says Mourinho
According to the former Chelsea boss, the real champions of the 2024/25 football season were Paris Saint-Germain, who not only won Ligue 1 but also lifted the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
“Paris Saint-Germain were the big winners last season,” Mourinho asserted. “They conquered France and Europe, which is not easy. For me, those are the titles that define great teams.”
The timing of Mourinho’s comments comes as he leads Fenerbahçe into a new chapter, with the Turkish giants hoping to make a splash both domestically and in European competitions under his leadership. But the veteran manager’s focus this week was on international club football and what he perceives as misplaced celebration over the Club World Cup.
Chelsea’s Journey to Club World Glory
Chelsea’s path to the Club World Cup title was anything but casual for supporters and players. The London club, under Maresca’s tactical guidance, began their campaign with a quarter-final win over Portuguese giants Benfica, followed by a semi-final victory over Brazilian side Palmeiras, and a dominant final against South American champions Fluminense.
Their final match against PSG was a statement performance. Goals from Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, and Conor Gallagher saw the Blues cruise to a 3-0 win at Tokyo’s newly renovated National Stadium, bringing home their first-ever expanded-format Club World Cup title.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Maresca, who took over managerial duties just last summer after a successful stint at Leicester City. It also capped off a surprising turnaround season for Chelsea, who had endured inconsistent domestic form just months earlier.
However, Mourinho’s comments have sparked a debate in football circles about the evolving prestige of the Club World Cup and how it compares to Europe’s elite competitions.
A Divided View on Club World Cup Importance
The 2025 edition of the Club World Cup featured a new, expanded format involving 32 teams from around the globe, with UEFA, CONMEBOL, CAF, and other confederations each sending their champions and high-ranking clubs. FIFA positioned the tournament as a rival to the UEFA Champions League in global appeal, aiming to crown the world’s best club side.
Yet, critics like Mourinho argue that the format lacks the intensity and elite competitiveness seen in Europe’s top-tier tournaments.
“Players are still finding fitness levels, coaches are rotating squads heavily, and the level of play is nowhere near what we see in the Champions League or even top domestic leagues,” Mourinho added.
Still, Chelsea fans and club officials see things differently.
Club chairman Todd Boehly hailed the win as a validation of Chelsea’s rebuilding efforts: “We believed in this project, and winning on the world stage shows that Chelsea is back competing with the best,” he said following the final.
Mourinho’s History with Chelsea Colors the Comments
José Mourinho is no stranger to Chelsea, having enjoyed two successful spells as manager at Stamford Bridge. He won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and multiple League Cups with the club, and remains a beloved figure among large sections of the fanbase.
However, his comments about Chelsea’s global triumph have raised eyebrows among supporters who feel the Portuguese manager has been dismissive of the club’s recent resurgence.
Some pundits argue that Mourinho’s criticism may be influenced by the club’s decision to pursue a new footballing identity under Maresca, one that significantly departs from Mourinho’s pragmatic style.
Football analyst Gary Lineker weighed in on the debate, saying, “The Club World Cup may not yet rival the Champions League, but dismissing it entirely feels unfair. Winning it still means beating champions from other continents—it’s not preseason by any stretch.”
East Meets West: A New Footballing Frontier?
One area where the Club World Cup has made undeniable progress is in its global reach. Hosting the tournament in Japan brought Asian audiences into the heart of club football’s newest rivalry stage and helped extend the brand of participating teams like Chelsea, PSG, and Fluminense.
The Japan Football Association (JFA) reported a surge in local ticket sales and international broadcast viewership, with fans from across Asia tuning in to see Chelsea’s emphatic win.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino celebrated the event as a step forward in football globalization: “The Club World Cup is becoming a bridge between continents, bringing clubs and fans from every corner of the globe together.”
What’s Next for Chelsea?
While Mourinho may not be sold on the Club World Cup’s value, Chelsea now look ahead to the Premier League season and a return to the Champions League, hoping to build on the momentum of their international success.
Manager Enzo Maresca was quick to downplay criticism, stating after the win: “We respect all opinions, but our players earned this title. It matters to them, it matters to the fans, and it matters to Chelsea.”
As debate continues over the tournament’s stature, one thing is clear: Chelsea’s name is now etched in global club history—whether Mourinho likes it or not.
