It was a night of football and fame at MetLife Stadium, where Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in the Club World Cup final but much of the spotlight shone off the pitch.
A dazzling line-up of global celebrities packed the stands and sidelines, turning the tournament’s climax into something closer to a Super Bowl spectacle than a traditional football match.
At 92,000 fans strong, the sold-out crowd witnessed more than Chelsea’s decisive victory. U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by Melania Trump, made a surprise appearance. He joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present the trophy, an image that drew both cheers and boos from the crowd.
“President Trump walked onto the pitch post-match to hand over medals and lift the trophy alongside Chelsea players,” one stadium official confirmed.
Earlier, NFL legend Tom Brady and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft were spotted in the VIP section, posing for photos and chatting with guests. Quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, singer Ciara, made a glamorous appearance on the Gold Carpet ahead of kick-off.
On the footballing front, two icons from the past Brazilian star Ronaldo Nazário and former Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas were seen mingling with FIFA officials and fans, soaking in the atmosphere of a truly global event.
The entertainment lineup was equally packed with star power.
A Show Worthy of a World Stage
Ahead of the match, British pop star Robbie Williams and Italian singer Laura Pausini performed FIFA’s new anthem, warming up the crowd with a theatrical pre-game concert.
At halftime, the stadium turned into a festival. Doja Cat led the set, followed by performances from Afrobeats star Tems, Colombian reggaeton sensation J Balvin, and Emmanuel Kelly, joined by Coldplay. The show was co-produced with Global Citizen and aimed to raise awareness for global education.
Fans described the halftime production as “unforgettable,” blending music, lights, and purpose.
“It felt like a World Cup and a music festival at once,” said Amanda Rivers, a Chelsea supporter from Brooklyn. “Everywhere you looked, there was someone famous.”
Football Still Had Its Say
Despite the A-list crowd, it was Chelsea who stole the sporting spotlight. Cole Palmer netted two goals, with a third coming from João Pedro to seal a commanding win. PSG struggled throughout the match and ended the night with ten men after a red card late in the second half.
The win marked Chelsea’s first Club World Cup title under the tournament’s new format, introduced to increase global reach and commercial appeal.
With fireworks overhead, pop music in the air, and global icons across every section of the stadium, the final served more than just football it served culture, celebrity, and a carefully curated spectacle.
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