Chelsea enjoyed a largely encouraging first campaign under Enzo Maresca’s management in 2024/25, finishing fourth in the English Premier League – marking their return to the top four for the first time since 2021/22 – and lifting the Europa Conference League trophy at the end of the season.
While those accomplishments would not naturally make them a perceived contender for the Premier League title in 2025/26, Chelsea’s unexpected Club World Cup triumph has raised discussions over whether the Blues are set to challenge for the EPL crown.
From rocky start to World Champions
Chelsea were briefly touted as title contenders at one point last season, as the Blues sat second in the division heading toward Christmas, but a dismal run of just two wins in 10 Premier League matches from December to February marked the end of their challenge – eventually finishing 25 points behind champions Liverpool.
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While that significant gap between Chelsea and the champions suggests that the Blues are still some way from competing for the Premier League trophy, their Club World Cup success has put them straight into the conversation.
The Blues defeated Los Angeles FC (2-0), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (3-0), Benfica (4-1), Palmeiras (2-1) and Fluminense (2-0) on their route to the final – alongside a 3-1 loss to Flamengo in the group stage.
The real brilliance was their 3-0 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain in the final, as the French side went into the match as the overwhelming favourites to win the trophy, but the Blues utterly outclassed their opposition.
PSG, fresh off the back of their 5-0 UEFA Champions League Final win and beating Real Madrid 4-0 in the CWC semi-final, have been widely perceived as the world’s best team over the past year, but Chelsea sensationally defeated their opponents.
The Blues scored three first-half goals – Cole Palmer (2) and Joao Pedro – as they executed the perfect game-plan, nullifying PSG’s attacking threat while pressing high and not allowing the French side to ever settle, alongside demonstrating their own attacking excellence.
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New additions, new expectations
That Club World Cup success will give them huge confidence and momentum heading into the new season, and with the likes of Liam Delap, Pedro and Jamie Gittens joining the already brilliant squad of Enzo Fernandez, Palmer, Moises Caicedo and many more, the Blues could be serious contenders in the upcoming campaign.
These added signings and increased winning experience should help the Blues avoid another mid-season slump like last term, while they have shown they are capable of dismantling the world’s best teams, which they may need to do against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal if they are to win the title.
Ultimately, while Chelsea will be far from the favourites to lift the Premier League trophy, if they can maintain their momentum at the beginning of the season, then there is every possibility that the Blues could mount a serious title challenge.
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