Despite their Club World Cup victory, can Chelsea maintain momentum following an intense 11-month season and only a five-week off-season break?

NEW YORK, July 15 — Chelsea’s 3-0 Club World Cup final win over Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday marked a triumphant end to a remarkable first season under Enzo Maresca — but it also concluded an exhausting 11-month campaign that could carry long-term consequences.

Powered by Cole Palmer’s performance, the victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was Chelsea’s 64th match of the season. The Club World Cup title — which Maresca likened to winning the Champions League — capped off a stellar run that included lifting the UEFA Conference League trophy and finishing fourth in the Premier League.

Maresca, who joined Chelsea after guiding Leicester City to promotion and previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, has successfully shaped a cohesive side from a revolving door of new signings.

“It’s been a fantastic season, but I’m most proud of the players,” Maresca said. “We’ve said before — talent alone isn’t enough. You need to make it all fit.”

Just two years ago, Chelsea languished in the bottom half of the Premier League table. Their recent progress has been rapid.

During the Club World Cup campaign, Maresca integrated even more new talent. Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, who cut short his holiday to complete a £60 million move from Brighton, scored twice in the semi-final against Fluminense and added another in the final. Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Andrey Santos also joined the squad in the U.S., with Jamie Gittens arriving from Borussia Dortmund and winger Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.

With a strong core led by Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo, Chelsea now look poised to challenge for the Premier League title and a deep Champions League run.

“It’s a big statement,” said captain Reece James, speaking after lifting the trophy alongside US President Donald Trump. “We’ve made huge progress, and next season we’re aiming to compete for the title and go far in Europe.”

A Short Recovery Window

Alongside the silverware, Chelsea earned an eye-catching US$115 million in prize money. However, concerns are mounting over the toll such a long season might take.

While Chelsea were grinding through high-stakes matches in sweltering conditions, title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal enjoyed lengthier off-season breaks. Even Manchester City, who also played in the Club World Cup, exited the competition over a week earlier.

Global players’ union FIFPro has warned of the rising physical demands on elite players, calling for a minimum four-week off-season and a similar retraining period before resuming competition.

Chelsea, however, have little time to rest. Their 2025/26 Premier League opener against Crystal Palace is set for August 17 — just five weeks after the Club World Cup final. A pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen is scheduled for August 8.

“Tomorrow, I finally start three weeks of holiday — that’s all I want right now after 15 months without a break,” Maresca said after Sunday’s win.

Whether the team can recharge in time for a packed season that includes the Champions League and ends with the 2026 World Cup in North America remains to be seen.

Paris Saint-Germain faces a similarly demanding turnaround. After a historic season that included their Champions League triumph, their first competitive fixture of next season — the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur — is set for August 13, just a month after the loss in New York.

More trophies may lie ahead, but at what cost? — AFP