Chelsea capped off a remarkable underdog run by defeating Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Entering the match with little fanfare after missing Champions League football for two consecutive seasons, the Blues silenced critics in spectacular fashion.
Cole Palmer delivered an early brace to put Chelsea firmly in control, and Joao Pedro added a third just before halftime, securing Chelsea’s first-ever Club World Cup title under the newly expanded format. It was a statement victory — and a symbol of the club’s rapid evolution under new leadership.
From Triumph to Transition: The Curious Case of Noni Madueke
While Chelsea celebrated an historic achievement, one name was noticeably absent from the spotlight: Noni Madueke.
Born in Barnet to Nigerian parents, Madueke honed his skills at Crystal Palace and Tottenham before turning down Manchester United to join PSV Eindhoven in 2018. His rise in the Eredivisie was meteoric, catching Chelsea’s eye and prompting a £28.5 million move in January 2023.
Though he showed flashes of brilliance, Madueke’s time in West London ultimately failed to live up to expectations. Across 92 appearances for Chelsea, he registered 20 goals and 9 assists — a respectable return, but not quite the breakout star many envisioned, especially compared to his earlier numbers at PSV (20 goals, 13 assists in 80 matches).
Enzo Maresca’s Frustration with Madueke
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca didn’t mince words when assessing Madueke’s performances. After a 5-1 win against Southampton in December where the winger found the net, Maresca publicly criticized his consistency and training ethic:
“Noni can do much more. The moment he starts to score or assist and is happy, he starts to drop a little bit… He has to train every day with ambition. He can be much, much better.”
The message was clear — talent alone wouldn’t be enough to earn a regular place in Chelsea’s plans.
Club World Cup: A Mixed Bag
Madueke featured intermittently throughout Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign. He started the opening match in California but was substituted after 64 minutes.
Dropped for the following game against Flamengo, he returned against Esperance de Tunis and impressed statistically — creating chances, completing dribbles, and winning duels — but failed to nail down a starting role.
Further cameos followed: a strong showing against Palmeiras and a brief appearance in the final against Fluminense. Still, Maresca was measured in his praise, noting:
“Noni has been important this season, but I only want players who are happy to be here. Those who aren’t, are free to leave.”
A New Chapter at the Emirates
And leave he will.
Madueke is set to join Arsenal for a reported £52 million, continuing the long-running trend of players moving from Chelsea to the Emirates — a list that includes the likes of David Luiz, Jorginho, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Raheem Sterling.
With Arsenal preparing to open their Premier League campaign against Manchester United in just a month, Madueke will be eager to make his mark in North London.
The Gunners are offering him a fresh start — and perhaps, the final chance to unlock the full potential that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers.