Two men in suits appear in the foreground with people celebrating and lifting a trophy in the background, next to the PSG and FC Barcelona crests.
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Florentino's global blow to PSG, Tebas and Barça after the World Cup final

Real Madrid congratulated Chelsea while taking jabs at all of Florentino Pérez's institutional rivals

Real Madrid wasn't champion, but it did leave its mark, not just on the field. It also did so through a forceful statement after the Club World Cup final.

"Congratulations to Chelsea and all its fans for the well-deserved Club World Cup title," the white club published on its official website.

A phrase with intention. The adjective "well-deserved" isn't placed at random. It's a clear hint at PSG, which fell in the final with a resounding 3-0 and, according to voices within the club, didn't show the right attitude for such an important event.

Darts at PSG, Barça… and Tebas

The statement didn't stop there. Real Madrid also wanted to congratulate FIFA and Gianni Infantino for organizing the tournament.

"Our congratulations to FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino for the brilliant organization of the 2025 Club World Cup," they added.

Real Madrid players on the field with the golden FIFA Club World Cup 2025 logo in the left corner
Real Madrid in the Club World Cup | Real Madrid Confidencial

A gesture far from innocent. Especially when Javier Tebas and FC Barcelona have spent the last few weeks openly criticizing the tournament, calling it unnecessary and lacking sporting value.

Barça, moreover, didn't even participate in the championship, being left out after several poor seasons in Europe. Since then, its stance has been to belittle the competition.

With that message, Florentino Pérez not only applauds Infantino. He also positions himself on the opposite side of the LaLiga president and Barça. It's an elegant, yet direct, way to set himself apart.

A tournament that set a trend

The 2025 Club World Cup has been a success. Large audiences, packed stadiums, and thrilling matches.

Chelsea was crowned champion. PSG fell with a crash. Real Madrid, although it finished third, left with good feelings.

Final standings table of the 2025 Club World Cup with teams ranked from 1 to 32 according to their points, matches played, goals scored, and goal difference, highlighting Chelsea in first place and Urawa Reds in last.
World club ranking | GE

But off the field, the real blow was delivered by Florentino Pérez. With few words, he sent a clear message:
World soccer looks ahead. Whoever isn't there will be left behind.

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