Tensions Boil Over: Luis Enrique Faces Backlash After Club World Cup Final Clash

Tensions boiled over at MetLife Stadium as Paris Saint Germain’s manager Luis Enrique found himself at the center of storm following his post match clash with Chelsea striker Joao Pedro during the 2025 FIFA Club World cup final.

PSG Crumble, Chelsea Reign

The French champions were outclassed by Chelsea who secured 3 - 0 victory to lift the revamped global trophy. While the Blues celebrated, scuffle broke out involving multiple players , including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi and Joao Pedro , and ended with Luis Enrique physically intervening.

"Ugly End" Captured on Camera

French outlet RMC Sport described the scene as "disgusting" reporting that Joao Neves was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair, shortly before Enrique was seen placing his hand on Pedro’s face, causing the Chelsea forward to fall theatrically.

Presnel Kimpembe was quick to step in and calm his manager down.

Mixed Reactions in French Press

• Le Parisien labeled Enrique's actions "emotional" but also criticized Pedro’s reaction as exaggerated:

"The PSG coach gently pushed the player’s face after the final whistle but the forward collapsed in controversial manner"

• L’Equipe took harsher tone claiming Enrique grabbed Pedro by the neck citing clear footage of the incident:

"As tempers flared between Donnarumma & Pedro, Enrique escalated things by putting hands on the striker’s neck"

Enrique Defends Himself

In his post match press conference, the former Spain & Barcelona coach denied any aggressive intent, stating:

"I was simply trying to separate the players. Things got heated and I wanted to calm them down"

FIFA Could Step In

Despite PSG’s outstanding domestic season , clinching domestic treble and the Champions League , the Club World cup final defeat and the controversial post match incident have cast shadow on their campaign.

French media warn that FIFA disciplinary action could follow in the coming days.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.