As Chelsea prepares for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, the Blues stand as a team reborn under manager Enzo Maresca.
Historical Milestones: A Trophy-Laden Legacy
Chelsea’s rich history is defined by six Premier League titles, eight FA Cup triumphs, and two UEFA Champions League crowns (2012, 2021) . Their 2025 Conference League victory marked a historic first: becoming the first club to win all five major UEFA men’s club competitions (Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup, Conference League, and Super Cup) . This achievement solidified their status as a global powerhouse.
Season Performance: A Return to Competitiveness
Chelsea’s 2024–25 campaign marked a turning point, securing 4th place in the Premier League (69 points) and claiming the UEFA Conference League title with a dominant 4–1 final victory over Real Betis . This triumph, coupled with their Premier League resurgence, showcased Maresca’s ability to rebuild a cohesive unit after years of transition.
Tactical Evolution: Maresca’s Vision
Maresca has implemented a possession-based 4-2-3-1 system that emphasizes positional fluidity and high pressing . The formation often morphs into a 3-2-5 structure in attack, with full-backs Reece James and Marc Cucurella pushing high to stretch opponents.
Key Players: Stars and Rising Talents
Enzo Fernández: The Argentine midfielder, with 88% pass accuracy and 6 goals in all competitions, orchestrates transitions and stabilizes the defense alongside Moises Caicedo . His header in the Conference League final exemplified his composure in high-stakes moments .
Cole Palmer: Chelsea’s standout performer, contributing 15 goals and 11 assists in 2024–25, showcasing versatility across midfield and attack . His two assists in the Conference League final underscored his ability to dictate tempo.
Nicolás Jackson: Despite a hamstring injury, Jackson returned to score 14 goals in all competitions, providing a focal point for counterattacks with his pace and aerial prowess (56% aerial duel success).
Club World Cup Outlook
In Group D, Chelsea faces Los Angeles FC, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis. Their opener against LAFC (June 16, 3 p.m. ET) will test their adaptability against MLS’s pacey attackers, while the clash with Flamengo (June 20, 2 p.m. ET) looms as a pivotal battle for group dominance . Maresca has emphasized consistency in transitions and set-piece efficiency as keys to success .
