Chelsea’s triumph at the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup came with more than global prestige — it delivered a staggering financial reward. After defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final, Chelsea walked away with an estimated $134.6 million, making them the biggest earners of the tournament.
This 32-team version of the Club World Cup was FIFA’s most ambitious yet, backed by a whopping $1 billion prize pool. Earnings were distributed based on four pillars: Participation, Sporting Performance, Club Ranking, and Commercial Value. As UEFA’s representative and one of the world’s top clubs, Chelsea fell within the highest earning tier.
Under the Participation Pillar alone, Chelsea received between $12.8 million and $38.2 million. But the major windfall came from their on-pitch success: winning the tournament earned them an additional $40 million, the largest single payout under the Sporting Performance Pillar. Further bonuses were also awarded for victories in the group stage and knockout rounds.
Moreover, Chelsea’s high historical performance and brand power placed them at the top of the Club Ranking and Commercial Value categories, further increasing their earnings.
This Club World Cup marked a turning point in international club football, where sporting excellence meets serious financial gain. Chelsea’s $134 million prize is not just a reward for performance but a powerful statement of how lucrative this revamped competition can be. It also raises the stakes for clubs worldwide eager to claim both glory and a share of the billion-dollar pie.
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