📍 Category: FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Chelsea FC, Football News
Source: FIFA.com
⚽ Chelsea vs Fluminense — But This Isn’t 2021 Anymore
Chelsea are set to face Fluminense FC on Tuesday, 8 July, in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. But this Blues side looks nothing like the 2021 squad that earned their place in the tournament by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League final four years ago.
Incredibly, only one player from that historic night — Reece James — is in Chelsea’s current squad under head coach Enzo Maresca. The team that conquered Europe has since been completely overhauled.
🏆 Rewind to 2021: Underdogs in Porto
Led by Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Frank Lampard mid-season, Chelsea stunned the footballing world by defeating a star-studded Manchester City in the 2021 final in Porto. A solitary goal from Kai Havertz, assisted by Mason Mount, sealed the win in front of a half-capacity stadium restricted by COVID-19 measures.
Tuchel had revitalized a squad featuring key names like Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho, N’Golo Kanté, Timo Werner, and more. That night cemented their legacy in Chelsea history.
🛫 Where Are They Now?
Let’s catch up with the Champions League-winning heroes:
🔹 Thiago Silva
Now captain of Fluminense, he will face his former club in the semi-final. At 40, he’s still competing at the top level.
🔹 Antonio Rudiger
Now plays for Real Madrid and is also in the Club World Cup, chasing glory from the Spanish capital.
🔹 Cesar Azpilicueta
Part of Atlético Madrid, Azpi plays a reduced role under Diego Simeone.
🔹 Jorginho
Moved to Arsenal, then returned to Brazil, now starring for CR Flamengo.
🔹 N’Golo Kanté
Plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ittihad, still a tireless midfield presence.
🔹 Kai Havertz & Timo Werner
Both departed Chelsea after inconsistency. Havertz is at Arsenal, Werner returned to the Bundesliga.
🔹 Mason Mount
Now at Manchester United, still trying to recapture his 2021 form.
🔹 Edouard Mendy
Moved to the Saudi Pro League, replaced by Robert Sánchez at Chelsea.
🧠 Chelsea’s New Core
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have undergone a tactical and personnel evolution:
- Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez now commands the box
- Defense: New faces include Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Tosin Adarabioyo
- Midfield: A $200M rebuild brought in Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Romeo Lavia
- Creativity: Cole Palmer wears the No.10 shirt, operating like Mount once did
- Full-backs: Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto have eclipsed Ben Chilwell and injury-plagued Reece James
👀 From Porto to MetLife: The Semi-Final Showdown
This Chelsea squad is younger, faster, and more experimental. Having recently won the UEFA Conference League, they now chase global silverware. But standing in their way is a veteran-led Fluminense, helmed by none other than Thiago Silva himself.
It’s not just a tactical battle — it’s a story of legacy, identity, and renewal.
🧠 Focus Keywords:
- Chelsea 2021 Champions League squad
- Where are Chelsea 2021 players now
- Chelsea vs Fluminense Club World Cup
- Reece James Chelsea captain
- Thiago Silva Fluminense
- FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Chelsea
📝 Disclaimer:
This article is based on official reporting by FIFA.com. Some players’ club affiliations may vary based on transfer updates.
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