In a stunning turn of events at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique was caught on camera appearing to slap Chelsea striker Joao Pedro in the face following Chelsea’s commanding 3-0 victory.
The incident, which sparked a mass brawl, overshadowed an otherwise triumphant night for Chelsea, who claimed the revamped 32-team tournament’s inaugural title.
The altercation, described as “extraordinary scenes” by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, erupted after tensions boiled over post-match, with Joao Pedro at the centre of a heated exchange involving PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and defender Achraf Hakimi.
The Club World Cup final showcased Chelsea’s dominance, with Cole Palmer scoring a first-half brace and assisting Joao Pedro’s delicate chip over Donnarumma in the 42nd minute.
PSG, the reigning European champions, struggled to respond, with their frustration evident as midfielder Joao Neves received a straight red card in the 85th minute for pulling Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella’s hair.
The match, attended by notable figures like U.S. President Donald Trump, was a spectacle of intensity, but the post-match chaos stole headlines.
Luis Enrique’s actions, including grabbing João Pedro by the neck and pushing him to the ground, have sparked widespread debate about sportsmanship and discipline in high-stakes football.
João Pedro, the £60 million summer signing from Brighton, addressed the incident in a post-match interview with a Brazilian channel, stating he was protecting teammate Andrey Santos during the scuffle.
“It’s normal, man. They won the Champions League, congrats, but today we were the ones winning. They need to accept that,” Pedro remarked, downplaying the clash while emphasising the competitive nature of the game.
Luis Enrique, in a press conference, claimed he was attempting to separate players but acknowledged such incidents “should not happen.” The altercation has raised questions about potential disciplinary action from FIFA, with some calling for a ban on Enrique for his conduct.
Chelsea’s victory marked a historic moment, as they became the first team to lift the revamped Club World Cup trophy, a gold coin-shaped prize.
The Blues’ tactical masterclass, led by manager Enzo Maresca, stifled PSG’s offensive plays from the outset. Palmer’s precise left-footed strikes in the 21st and 29th minutes, combined with Pedro’s clinical finish, secured a lead that PSG couldn’t overcome.
The match highlighted Chelsea’s resurgence under Maresca, with fans and analysts praising the team’s cohesive strategy and Palmer’s talismanic performance.
Despite the brawl, Chelsea players formed a guard of honour for PSG during the medal ceremony, showing respect amid the chaos.
The incident has ignited discussions on social media, with fans capturing the shock and outrage. One user commented, “Luis Enrique’s slap on Joao Pedro was disgraceful. FIFA needs to act!” Another noted, “Pedro pushed back, but Enrique crossed a line.”
The clash has added fuel to the growing rivalry between Chelsea and PSG, who have faced off eight times in the UEFA Champions League, with PSG holding a slight edge historically.
However, Chelsea’s emphatic win and the subsequent controversy have shifted the narrative, positioning the Blues as a formidable force on the global stage.
FIFA’s introduction of innovations like referee body cameras added transparency to the match, with VAR playing a key role in Neves’ red card decision.
The event, broadcast on DAZN, featured a pre-match performance by Robbie Williams and a half-time show with Doja Cat, though some fans criticised the halftime entertainment as “utter woke nonsense.”
The Club World Cup 2025, with its expanded format and $1 billion investment, aimed to be a global spectacle, but the post-match brawl has left a stain on its legacy.
Chelsea’s £92 million prize money shows the financial stakes, yet the focus remains on the disciplinary fallout for Enrique and PSG.
As investigations into the incident continue, the football world awaits FIFA’s response. Will Luis Enrique face a suspension for his actions against João Pedro?
Could this spark stricter regulations on post-match conduct? Chelsea’s victory cements their status as world champions, but the unsavoury clash has sparked broader conversations about professionalism in football.
