While critics have dismissed the Club World Cup as a friendly-style tournament, the players are taking it as seriously as any major competition.
Despite a minor setback against Brazilian side Botafogo, PSG went on to demolish Atletico and Real Madrid 4-0 in the US-based tournament and even beat Bayern Munich 2-0—despite finishing the match with only nine men.
Opposing teams simply cannot keep up with PSG’s relentless pace, precise passing, and high-intensity pressing. They continue to steamroll over any team in their way.
PSG were already 3-0 up within the first 24 minutes, courtesy of a Fabian Ruiz double and a goal by Ousmane Dembele. Goncalo Ramos added another in the final moments of the match.
Next up? Chelsea in Sunday’s final in New Jersey.
“Luis Enrique has created a monster,” said DAZN pundit Andros Townsend.
Former Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale added: “They look like a team who are going to be around for a long time. They are very young, relentless and want to embarrass teams.”
How Have They Turned It Around?
In just a year, PSG have gone from being the Champions League’s most ridiculed side to perhaps the most exciting team in world football.
Fittingly, two of the ‘old PSG’ figureheads—Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe—were both on the losing end of PSG’s new era dominance. Messi’s Inter Miami was knocked out 4-0 in the last 16, and Mbappe’s new team, Real Madrid, suffered the same fate in the semis.
Since Mbappe’s departure to Madrid, Enrique has crafted a dangerous new frontline. Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia bring flair and unpredictability, while Bradley Barcola adds chaos when needed.
In midfield, Joao Neves, Vitinha, and the double-scorer Ruiz control games with maturity and composure.
“When the three in the middle dictate the play like that, no one can stop them. It has been a masterclass,” said ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.
“Some of that football from PSG was like watching FIFA. Incredible,” said former Newcastle striker Callum Wilson.
The team’s explosive full-backs—Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes—continue to make PSG’s style even more dynamic and attacking.
Having already clinched the French Cup, Ligue 1, and Champions League, they are now just one game away from a fourth major trophy this year. Add the Trophee des Champions, and PSG could complete a clean sweep of five titles in 2025.
As they gear up to face Chelsea, one thing is clear: the Blues will have a massive challenge ahead. PSG’s last five knockout matches have ended in a staggering 18-0 combined scoreline.
Luis Enrique now must be considered among the elite football managers, having secured Trebles with both Barcelona and PSG.
“He has set the standard,” said Gareth Bale. “They are leading a new era. They’ve set a very high bar and everyone in football will be trying to copy them—and trying to stop them.”
The only potential concern for PSG might be fatigue. Sunday’s final marks their 65th match of the 2024-25 season. A month later, they face Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup to kick off the new campaign.