Football club Chelsea recently added a significant trophy to their cabinet, securing victory in the first expanded, 32-team edition of the FIFA Club World Cup. Their dominant 3-0 performance against French side Paris Saint-Germain in the final at MetLife Stadium not only marked a major sporting achievement but also came with a financial reward of unprecedented scale for a club tournament.
The final match itself showcased the potential of Chelsea`s relatively young squad. Goals from Cole Palmer, who also provided an assist, and Joao Pedro demonstrated key attacking prowess and rapid integration of new talent. This success provides strong validation for the project led by manager Enzo Maresca, who capped his first season in charge with two major trophies, including the UEFA Europa Conference League title secured earlier in the year.
Beyond the prestige of being crowned world champions, the tournament offered substantial financial incentives. FIFA allocated a staggering total of $1 billion in prize money across all 32 participating clubs. For Chelsea, their status as champions ensured they would depart the United States having secured the largest portion of this immense fund.
The prize money distribution for the 2025 tournament followed a unique two-pillar structure: a guaranteed `Participation Pillar` fee and a `Sporting Performance Pillar` component based on results and progression through the stages.
The Participation Pillar
The Participation Pillar provides a baseline income for all qualified teams, with the amount varying depending on the club`s confederation. As a representative of UEFA, European clubs received the highest range of guaranteed fees. Chelsea secured approximately $37.66 million from this pillar, representing close to the maximum amount available for a UEFA entrant, making the transatlantic trip financially viable from the outset, one might say.
The Sporting Performance Pillar
The Sporting Performance Pillar rewards clubs based on their success on the field. Clubs earned specific amounts for winning matches in the group stage and for advancing through the knockout rounds. Reaching the final guaranteed a significant sum, with an additional substantial bonus for the eventual champion.
Here`s a breakdown of the Sporting Performance earnings by stage:
| Stage | Earnings per club |
|---|---|
| Group stage (per match result) | $2 million per win, $1 million per draw |
| Round of 16 | $7.5 million |
| Quarterfinals | $13.125 million |
| Semifinals | $21 million |
| Runners-up | $30 million |
| Winner | $40 million |
Chelsea`s progression through the group stage and subsequent knockout rounds secured significant earnings leading up to the final. Their victory over PSG in the final specifically added a considerable $40 million to their prize money total from this pillar.
Total Earnings
Combining the guaranteed Participation Pillar fee with the earnings accumulated through their triumphant Sporting Performance, Chelsea`s total prize money from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup amounts to an impressive $153.66 million. This figure represents a substantial financial boost, comparable in magnitude to the earnings typically associated with securing a top-four finish in major domestic leagues like the Premier League in a given season.
The successful campaign in the United States, culminating in a world title and a record-breaking financial return from the tournament, underscores a highly productive conclusion to the season for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca`s leadership.
