The 2025 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup witnessed a major transformation in the financial revenue structure, making it the biggest prize event in club football history. For the first time, the tournament expanded to include 32 clubs, allocating nearly one billion US dollars as total prize money. FIFA decided to distribute the entire amount to participating clubs without retaining any portion, a first in FIFA’s official tournaments. The prize distribution system has two pillars: the Participation Pillar, granting different amounts based on continental affiliation and sporting and commercial status, with European clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain receiving between $12.8 million and $38.1 million for participation; South American clubs like Fluminense and Palmeiras receiving about $15.2 million; Asian, African, and CONCACAF clubs about $9.5 million; and the lowest share going to the Oceania champion Auckland City with $3.6 million.

The Sporting Performance Pillar rewards clubs progressively based on results, with $2 million per group stage win, $1 million per draw, and additional amounts for advancing through knockout stages, culminating in $40 million for the champion. Chelsea topped the revenue list with $114.5 million after winning the title, followed by Paris Saint-Germain with $106.9 million and Real Madrid with $82.5 million. Notably, non-European clubs like Fluminense made the top four with $60.8 million, marking a significant financial achievement. FIFA also allocated an additional $250 million solidarity fund to support lower-income clubs worldwide. Despite calls from clubs like Real Madrid, Fluminense, and Manchester United to hold the tournament every two years, FIFA insists on the four-year cycle to sustain resources and protect player schedules. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described this as the beginning of a “golden era for global football.”