In the high-stakes world of modern soccer, achievements that transcend both national and club success are rare. But in 2025, one Argentine midfielder carved his name into history, becoming the only active player to win both the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. While Lionel Messi’s iconic status continues to grow, it’s one of his younger national teammates who now holds a unique distinction that even Messi himself never achieved.
Chelsea made global headlines by winning the first-ever expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in a dominant final performance in New Jersey. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues lifted their second international trophy of the season, having already won the UEFA Conference League.
But amid the team’s glory, one player stood above the rest: Enzo Fernandez, the 24-year-old Argentine midfielder who played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s Club World Cup success.
Journey from Qatar to New Jersey
Fernandez’s story began on the world stage in 2022, when Argentina won the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Initially a surprise selection in Lionel Scaloni’s squad, Fernandez quickly silenced doubters. After starting on the bench in Argentina’s shock loss to Saudi Arabia, he became a fixture in the starting XI and went on to win the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Two and a half years later, Fernandez added a new line to his already impressive resume by helping Chelsea secure Club World Cup glory. He was instrumental throughout the tournament, scoring once and providing three assists, leading the entire tournament in assists.
With this, he became the first player in soccer history to be a reigning world champion at both club and international level—a feat not even greats like Messi, Ronaldo, or Zidane have matched.
International pedigree at 24
Fernandez’s silverware haul at just 24 years old is staggering. His honors span both continents and levels:
- 2020 Copa Sudamericana with Defensa y Justicia
- 2021 Recopa Sudamericana
- 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina
- 2024 Copa América
- 2025 UEFA Conference League
- 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Even more impressively, he has won all six international finals he’s played in, showing nerves of steel and a consistency that belies his age.
Joining the legends of soccer’s first champions
Fernandez’s name now stands alongside legendary teams that were first champions of major tournaments:
- Uruguay – 1916 Copa America and 1930 World Cup
- Real Madrid – 1956 European Cup
- South Korea – 1956 AFC Asian Cup
- Egypt – 1957 Africa Cup of Nations
- Barcelona – 1958 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
- Soviet Union – 1960 European Nations’ Cup
- Peñarol – 1960 Copa Libertadores
- Corinthians – 2000 Club World Cup (original format)
- Portugal – 2019 Nations League
And now, Chelsea, by winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, enters that prestigious list—led by a midfielder who stands alone in modern soccer history.
