Former Chelsea midfielder and club legend John Obi Mikel was full of praise for his former side following their stunning 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final — a performance that not only stunned the footballing world but also reinforced the club’s reputation for rising to the occasion on the biggest stages.
Speaking immediately after the final whistle, Mikel couldn’t contain his admiration for the sheer dominance Chelsea displayed in the first half. He was left in awe by the team’s intensity, tactical discipline, and clinical execution, especially considering the caliber of their opponents the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, PSG.
“Chelsea are simply unbelievable,” Mikel beamed. “Honestly, a 3-0 scoreline at halftime felt too generous to PSG. It could’ve been four or five, easily. The level of control and hunger Chelsea showed that’s the hallmark of champions.”
As someone who has lifted nearly every trophy with Chelsea, including the Champions League and Premier League titles, Mikel is no stranger to high-stakes finals. And in his eyes, the Club World Cup victory is yet another testament to the club’s relentless mentality when it comes to decisive moments.
“One thing I’ve always said about Chelsea is that they’re a club built for finals,” he added. “When it really matters, they show up. Whether it’s in Europe or on the world stage, this club has a deep culture of winning.”
However, despite the celebratory mood, Mikel offered a grounded and insightful perspective on what lies ahead particularly regarding the squad’s readiness for the upcoming season. While he applauded Robert Sánchez for his standout performance in the final, the Nigerian legend believes Chelsea still need to bring in a top-tier goalkeeper if they are to compete seriously on multiple fronts next season.
“Sánchez was excellent today no question. But with the Champions League and Premier League ahead, the demands will be immense,” Mikel explained. “You need a truly elite goalkeeper to compete at that level consistently. Someone who can not only push Sánchez but potentially take the No. 1 spot if needed.”
His remarks reflect the growing sentiment among former players and fans alike: while Chelsea’s current project is clearly on the rise with young talent flourishing and the team showing signs of serious cohesion there are still areas that need strengthening if the club is to maintain this upward trajectory.
Mikel’s post-match comments perfectly straddle celebration and realism. He, like many Chelsea faithful, is proud of the club’s latest achievement a commanding Club World Cup title win against one of the strongest squads in world football. Yet he also understands that winning trophies is only half the battle; maintaining that standard requires smart reinforcements, tactical evolution, and squad depth.
And if Mikel’s words are anything to go by, Chelsea fans should enjoy the moment but expect the club to stay active in the market, particularly in the goalkeeping department, as preparations for a bigger season ahead begin.
