Chelsea are Champions of the World after beating PSG 3-0 in New Jersey.

Despite doubts, Chelsea ‘ran it back’ to an underdog performance akin to the Roman Abramovich era to secure a huge major trophy.

Here’s how and why they did it.

Cole Palmer: The night Chelsea’s No 10 took over the world

Cole Palmer did not just decide the final. He choreographed it.

Two clinical goals and a composed assist to João Pedro turned one of the toughest assignments in world football into a first-half procession.

The European champions had no answer to his movement, timing or technique.

His second goal, created by a clever decoy run from Pedro, was all about calm execution.

His assist for the third came from deep, driving past midfielders before slipping a perfect ball through for Pedro to finish.

Palmer now has seven goal contributions across six finals for Chelsea. Beyond the numbers, he played like someone who knew exactly where to hurt PSG, and how.

His ability to control big games without forcing the issue is what elevates him.

With his face on Times Square billboards and the Golden Ball in his luggage, Palmer’s emergence as Chelsea’s centrepiece feels inevitable.

The question now is whether England will treat him the same way. He is ready.

A £50m gamble? Not anymore. João Pedro is built for the big stage

Chelsea paid Brighton a lot for João Pedro. It already looks like a bargain.

In just three matches, he scored three goals and dismantled two of South America’s best teams before finishing off PSG.

His third goal, in the final, was a beautifully taken finish made possible by his off-ball movement and Palmer’s weight of pass.

Pedro did more than score. His stretching runs, pressing aggression and physical presence unsettled PSG’s back line and pulled Vitinha and Beraldo into constant uncertainty.

Even Luis Enrique was visibly rattled, clashing with Pedro in the post-match chaos.

This is a forward who fits Chelsea’s tactical model without needing months of adjustment.

Signed mid-tournament, he looked like someone who had been in the team for years.

With Nicolas Jackson still erratic and Christopher Nkunku on his way out, Pedro’s versatility and intelligence could make him a starting nine come August.

Glue guy: Pedro Neto holds it all together on and off the ball

Pedro Neto did not score or assist in the final. He did not need to.

His role was subtle but essential, covering space when Palmer drifted centrally, tracking back when Gusto surged forward, and offering a left-footed outlet to switch play.

Neto came into the match under emotional strain after a personal bereavement.

That he delivered such a tactically mature performance is a credit to his mentality.

In matches of this magnitude, not everyone needs to be the hero. Some need to make sure that the others can shine.

His future at Chelsea may depend on the system Maresca leans into. But Neto’s value as a glue player is becoming clearer with every high-level performance.

He is a connector, every good squad needs one.

Goalkeeper or quarterback? Sanchez helped dismantle PSG from deep

This was not just a clean sheet for Robert Sanchez. It was a validation of the risk Chelsea took keeping faith with him.

His long diagonals into PSG’s left channel were a key part of Maresca’s plan to bypass midfield and isolate Nuno Mendes.

Two of those direct balls helped launch goal sequences.

Sanchez was calm under pressure, precise with his feet, and decisive in his box.

This was not the erratic figure Chelsea fans saw last autumn. This was a keeper who understood the assignment.

With Djordje Petrovic sold and no new number one incoming, this could be the moment Sanchez needed to prove he belongs.

On this evidence, he is not just surviving. He is thriving.

A trophy in hand and a war chest to spend – this summer could shape Chelsea’s next era

While Palmer and Pedro headlined, Malo Gusto played like a man possessed. He dominated Nuno Mendes physically, supported Palmer relentlessly, and never once let the moment get too big.

He was Chelsea’s most complete defender and played a major role in all three goals.

Gusto is 21. If Reece James cannot stay fit, Chelsea already have a solution.

The broader picture is clear. Chelsea end this tournament £100 million richer and full of belief.

Maresca has built something coherent. The squad has depth, adaptability and youth on its side.

There will be a temptation to go big. Names like Rodrygo and Garnacho have been linked.

But perhaps the better fit is someone like Morgan Rogers. Young, intelligent, Premier League-proven and hungry.

The kind of signing that suits what Chelsea are now becoming.

Reece James said after the game that Chelsea will compete for the Premier League next season. Maresca said this team is ready for the Champions League.

Both might be right.