A New Club World Champion
The summer of 2025 was big for football. For the first time, the FIFA Club World Cup included 32 teams and was hosted in the United States. Chelsea won the tournament, beating PSG 3-0 in the final. FIFA called it a « new chapter » in club football. But while the prize money was huge and the matches looked great on paper, many fans and players were left wondering: was this tournament really needed, or was it just another way to make money?
Big Prize Money, Big Ambitions
FIFA gave out $1 billion in total prize money. Every team got money just for showing up. Chelsea, the winners, received $115 million, and even the small clubs got millions. For example, Auckland City, a small club from New Zealand, earned £3.3 million, which is almost seven times what they usually make in a year.
FIFA also made money from sponsors and media. They signed a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and DAZN reportedly paid $1 billion for broadcasting rights. Clearly, FIFA wanted this tournament to be a big business success.
Smaller clubs loved it. For them, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play against the best and make money they could never dream of. But for the big clubs, it wasn’t just about the money – they already earn a lot from the Champions League and national leagues. The question was whether the Club World Cup added real value to their season.
The Business Behind the Tournament
From FIFA’s point of view, this new format is a smart business move. Most of FIFA’s money usually comes from the World Cup, which only happens every four years. By creating a big tournament in between, FIFA can make money more often. They hope future Club World Cups will bring in up to $4 billion in revenue from TV rights, sponsors, and ticket sales. This helps FIFA have more stable income and invest in football projects around the world.
For clubs, the financial benefits are real. A club that usually breaks even or makes a small profit can suddenly see a big boost in their bank account. For example, Chelsea’s $115 million prize money could be used to buy new players, pay down debt, or improve their stadium. In financial terms, it improves their net profit margin and helps them meet Financial Fair Play rules, which are rules to make sure clubs don’t spend more than they earn.
Broadcasting was a huge part of the business plan. DAZN reportedly paid $1 billion for global streaming rights, with a lot of interest from Asia and North America. Brands like Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Visit Saudi also sponsored the tournament, showing that global companies saw value in being associated with it. Even with some empty seats, FIFA’s income from global viewership and marketing partnerships made the tournament a financial win.
Some experts say that for smaller clubs, even just playing in the tournament is like winning the lottery. A team like Auckland City may use that money to go full-time professional, build better training facilities, or hire more staff. That kind of money can change the future of a small club for many years.
On top of that, this tournament gives clubs the chance to grow their fanbase. Playing in the United States, in front of fans from around the world, allows clubs to gain attention in new markets. Some clubs signed new sponsorship deals during or after the tournament. For example, one African club signed a new deal with an American energy drink brand after a surprise win in the group stage. These partnerships might not have happened without the exposure provided by the Club World Cup.
FIFA is also trying to build a brand with long-term value. By hosting the tournament every four years and making it bigger than before, FIFA wants to create something that sponsors and broadcasters will fight to be part of. In the future, ticket sales, hospitality packages, and digital content could bring in even more money. The 2025 edition was just the beginning of this business strategy, and FIFA hopes it can turn this tournament into a regular money-maker.
Empty Seats and Mixed Feelings
Even with all that money, many games were played in half-empty stadiums. In Orlando, only 3,400 fans showed up for one match. In Atlanta, Chelsea vs. LAFC only brought in 22,000 fans in a stadium that can fit 71,000.
Some games had better crowds. The final in New York had more than 81,000 fans, and PSG vs. Atlético Madrid also pulled big numbers. But many group stage games felt flat. One Chelsea fan group leader even said, « It’s a glorified friendly. »
Fans in Europe, where clubs already play many games every season, didn’t feel excited. Many said this tournament doesn’t have the same history or meaning as the Champions League. But for clubs from other continents, it was exciting. They don’t often get the chance to play top European teams. The Club World Cup gave them that chance.
No Rest for Players
The biggest issue was player health. The tournament started just weeks after the European season ended and finished one month before the next season began. Some players had no time to rest.
Managers like Jürgen Klopp were very critical. He said players are being asked to do too much and that this tournament was « the worst idea ever. » He compared football players to NBA players, who get four months off each year. Some footballers only get a few weeks.
Injuries are increasing. In the 2023-24 season, over 4,000 injuries were recorded in Europe’s top leagues. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri said that it’s all about money and that players are not being protected. Rodri even said players might go on strike.
FIFPRO, the global players’ union, also spoke out. They said FIFA did not talk with them before planning the tournament and that players need at least four weeks off. They even filed a complaint with the European Union.
Many fans agree that the calendar is too full. They see more and more players getting injured and say it lowers the quality of the matches. Tired players can’t perform at their best. If this continues, even the biggest games could lose their magic. Clubs are also worried. Some coaches had to rotate their squads more than usual during the tournament, trying to protect their stars from overplaying.
A Tournament with Two Faces
So, was the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup a success?
Financially, yes. FIFA made money. Clubs made money. Smaller teams got the spotlight. Big sponsors joined in. Some matches had amazing atmospheres.
But in other ways, it fell short. Many fans didn’t care. Stadiums were often empty. Players were tired. And some of the biggest names in football questioned whether it should happen at all.
The truth is, the Club World Cup in 2025 was both a goldmine and a glorified friendly. For FIFA, it was a big step in making more money from global football. But for fans and players, it still needs to prove that it matters. If FIFA wants this tournament to be taken seriously, they need to find a better balance between business, sport, and the health of the people who make the game special: the players.