Chelsea and PSG Stars Unite: Dream Team for Club World Cup Final Showdown
After capturing major European honors during the 2024–25 season, both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are now positioned to achieve global championship glory.
PSG claimed their inaugural Champions League crown in May, while Chelsea had previously lifted the Europa Conference League trophy, marking a promising debut campaign under manager Enzo Maresca. Both European powerhouses have demonstrated their strength throughout this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, yet only one team can emerge victorious and secure their second major trophy within a six-week span when they clash in Sunday's championship match.
Although the Parisian club enters as clear favorites to capture the title, both continental giants possess talent-rich rosters featuring some of football's finest players. The elite performers will take center stage this weekend.
Below is a combined starting eleven featuring the top talents from both organizations.
Chelsea vs. PSG Combined XI (4-3-3)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—Considering Chelsea's goalkeeping position remains a concern while PSG features one of the world's most reliable and decisive shot-stoppers, Donnarumma's inclusion is unsurprising.
RB: Achraf Hakimi—Currently the premier right-back globally, Hakimi's offensive contributions are consistently outstanding. He has recorded five goals and two assists across his previous ten appearances for club and country—with four coming during the Club World Cup.
CB: Marquinhos—This seasoned center-back remains composed and impenetrable. He has anchored PSG's solid defensive unit in the United States, conceding only one goal across six fixtures, and continues improving with experience.
CB: Levi Colwill—When selecting from players available for the final and with Willian Pacho suspended, Colwill represents one of Chelsea's few candidates worthy of inclusion. The English defender excels when performing at his peak.
LB: Nuno Mendes—While Marc Cucurella's evolution from costly disappointment to fan favorite has been noteworthy, Mendes operates at a superior level compared to the Spanish player. The PSG left-back excels in individual duels and proves dangerous in attacking areas.
CM: Fabián Ruiz—Ruiz displays elegance whenever he takes the field and demonstrated his abilities by scoring twice in PSG's 4–0 semi-final triumph over Real Madrid. He thrives in crucial moments and remains essential to his team's possession-focused approach.
CM: Vitinha—Equally influential in PSG's midfield is Vitinha, who has developed into an elite pace-controller and creative force under Luis Enrique. He currently ranks among the world's finest central midfielders.
CM: Enzo Fernández—While João Neves shows great promise, Enzo Fernández possesses similar talent and merits selection in this formation. The Argentine displays superior form compared to teammate Cole Palmer, who would have earned inclusion at this point last year.
RW: Désiré Doué—Following his standout performance in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, might Doué replicate that success against Chelsea in the Club World Cup's decisive encounter? His explosive pace and nimble footwork could potentially devastate the Blues.
ST: Ousmane Dembélé—The leading contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or tops this particular lineup, with Dembélé showcasing remarkable scoring and creative output. None of Chelsea's numerous attacking options can rival his current level.
LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—Despite Pedro Neto's solid Club World Cup displays, Kvaratskhelia clearly stands as the more accomplished player overall. The Georgian's mobility and powerful right foot establish him as a constant danger.
