Chelsea are on the brink of securing a record payday at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Brazilian side Fluminense 2-0 to reach the final and they’ve already earned an estimated £80 million in prize money.
Massive Prize Pool: How It Works
The 2025 Club World Cup boasts a staggering $1 billion (£726 million) total prize pot, the largest in tournament history.
While early estimates suggested teams could earn up to £97 million, fluctuating exchange rates have placed the true maximum at £92 million.
City, previously expected to collect the maximum £27.8 million, exited in the round of 16, ending their run with £37.8 million in earnings.
Chelsea, progressing further, are now approaching the £80 million mark.
Here’s the tournament prize breakdown:
-
Group stage win: £1.5 million
-
Draw: £750,000
-
Last 16: £5.4 million
-
Quarter-final: £9.5 million
-
Semi-final: £15.2 million
-
Runner-up: £21.8 million
-
Winner: £29 million
Maresca Under No Pressure Despite Riches
Despite the financial stakes, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said the club owners haven’t burdened the team with financial expectations.
“The owners just want the best for us and for the players game by game, and they are not talking about the final prize or the final reward in terms of money,” Maresca said.
“They never put pressure on me or the players in terms of we need to win this tournament because of the money.”
Joao Pedro’s Dream Start
Freshly signed for £60 million from Brighton, Joao Pedro has already justified his price tag, scoring both goals in the semi-final win over Fluminense.
His performance was hailed by pundits and teammates alike. Pedro described the occasion as perfect:
“It was a dream. I don’t think it could have gone any better. I’m happy to have scored my first goals.”
“[The Club World Cup] would be my first title as well. I only came here a week ago, and now I’m going to play the final.”
Pedro’s 26 touches during the match placed him among Chelsea’s most involved forwards. He regularly drifted wide and helped in deeper build-up play.
Maresca explained:
“The good thing about Joao is that we knew already how good he was. Today he played deep but we know he is able to drop deep and link up the play.”
“That’s why we decided to bring him in.”
Pedro himself underlined his individual style:
“Every team has a different style to play: Delap has a style, Jackson another and I have my way. I think whoever brings more good things to the team is going to play.”
Final Awaits
Chelsea will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Sunday, with an extra £7.3 million awaiting the winners.
And as Chelsea edge closer to the Club World Cup jackpot, the question now is no longer just about the money but whether they’ve finally solved their striker dilemma.
The post Chelsea Close in on Club World Cup Jackpot; Seals Final Spot appeared first on PlayPLAY.ng.