Some say Chelsea have had an easy path in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. That our route to the semi-finals has been soft. But those who really follow football know this journey has not been easy at all. It has been full of tension, high stakes, and serious opponents who had already proven themselves before crossing paths with Chelsea.
This is not a tournament of leftovers. Manchester City were part of it. Inter Milan were there. Bayern Munich came strong. Benfica arrived in top form and even knocked out Bayern. Yet all these clubs are out. Chelsea, the team that many thought would not last long in this tournament, is the one still standing.
Let’s take it from the start. Our first match was against Los Angeles FC. Some thought it would be a walk in the park, but they forgot this was the team that defeated Urawa Red Diamonds and pushed Club América aside just to qualify. They were champions of the MLS and came into the tournament full of confidence. But Chelsea were ready. We beat them 2-0 in Atlanta, with goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández. It was not just a win. The stadium was far from full, but that did not stop the players from showing intent, energy, and composure. It was a statement.
Then came Benfica, one of the most dramatic games in the competition so far. This was no underdog. This was a Benfica side that had stunned everyone by knocking out Bayern Munich—yes, Bayern. And not just beating them. They topped a Champions League group that had Bayern Munich in it. And Bayern were not just any team. They are the current champions of Germany. Benfica also knocked out Al Ahly, the Egyptian giants with one of the most decorated club records on the continent. So by the time they faced Chelsea, they were flying high. They were full of belief. A strong storm delayed the game when Chelsea were leading 1-0. After the long break, Benfica equalised deep into stoppage time, shaking nerves everywhere. Many thought Chelsea would collapse.
But Chelsea were not done. That is not the Chelsea way. In extra time, Reece James stepped up and scored. Nkunku followed with another. Then Pedro Neto and Dewsbury-Hall added two more. Final score: 4-1. It was not luck. It was not fluke. It was determination. That kind of performance does not come from luck. It comes from heart.
In the quarter-final, we met Palmeiras. Another big test. Palmeiras had beaten Club León of Mexico and shocked Inter Milan to get to us. Yes, Inter Milan, the 2023 Champions League finalists. That is the same Inter side with Lautaro Martínez and Nicolo Barella. But Palmeiras found a way past them. They also beat Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, who had knocked out Wydad Casablanca. So by the time Palmeiras got to Chelsea, they had already silenced some strong clubs.
It was a difficult match. Cole Palmer gave Chelsea the lead. Estevão, the young Brazilian star who is expected to join Chelsea soon, equalised for Palmeiras. The game could have gone either way. But then Malo Gusto made a run and his cross caused confusion, leading to a Palmeiras own goal. Chelsea won 2-1. Another game full of pressure. Another big opponent dealt with. A very close contest. Another hard-earned victory. No one handed Chelsea these wins. They were fought for, earned with sweat and discipline.
Now we are in the semi-finals. Waiting for us is Fluminense, the champions of South America. A team that beat Inter Milan and Al Hilal. They have shown they can come from behind and turn games around. They are quick, aggressive, and dangerous. But Chelsea are ready. We are not afraid of teams with big names. Because over and over again, we have proven that we are also a big name, no matter who doubts us.
People say the path has been easy. They forget that football is not just about names on paper or club histories. It is about performance on the day. It is about who wants it more. It is about how you respond when things go wrong. Chelsea have shown, time and again, that we may bend but we do not break. This team is not perfect. We have injuries. We have inexperience. But we also have something special spirit. Belief. Resilience.
Just pause and just look at the names our opponents defeated before facing us—Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Club León, Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Club América. How is that an easy path? Even Fluminense beat Al Hilal who beat Manchester City in the Round of Sixteen. How are they an easy opponent?
The truth is, Chelsea have never relied on excuses or public sympathy. We show up and play our football. We do not complain. We fight. This squad is young and hungry. Just take a quick look at the players stepping up. Reece James, when fit, wears the armband like someone born for it. Pedro Neto has been relentless. Cole Palmer has been a revelation. Malo Gusto, Enzo, Caicedo, Nkunku, Madueke, Colwill, George—all rising, all fighting and they are all stepping up. Even players who were once doubted are making their presence felt. This is not a club built on shortcuts. This is a club that has been rebuilding, regrouping, and is on the rise.
So yes, let the people complain. Let the critics talk. Let them continue talk about easy routes and lucky breaks. Let them pretend that winning football matches at this level is simple. While they talk, Chelsea are playing. While they judge, Chelsea are winning. While they talk, Chelsea are winning. While they question us, we are answering on the pitch. While they complain, it pleases us. Because this is our joy. This is our journey. And this is our time. We know the work we have done. We know the mountain we have climbed. And we know what we are chasing.
Chelsea may not have started this tournament with everyone’s attention. But once again, we are ending it with everyone watching.
This is Chelsea. This is our fight. And we are not done yet.
Chelsea may not have entered this tournament as favourites, but we have always known how to surprise people. This is who we are. This is what we do. And we are not done yet.
By Victor Raul Puobabangna Plance, Chelsea FC fan from Eggu, Ghana
#Puobabangna
