It took Julian Alvarez just 40 seconds to give the boys in blue the lead in the final as he turned in Nathan Ake’s ranged effort which rattled the post.
Near the half hour mark, Phil Foden’s cross was deflected into the back of the goal by defender Nino to double City’s lead at half-time at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah.
Second half goals from Foden and Alvarez topped off an emphatic 4-0 win where City continued to make history…
THE BEST IN ALL THE LAND
Following success in the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup would see City make history once again.
And Guardiola’s side did just that by becoming the first English team to hold all five pieces of silverware in a calendar year.
THE BOSS
Pep Guardiola has topped the list of most successful managers at the FIFA Club World Cup.
His four wins came in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2023 – two with Barcelona and once with Bayern Munich.
The boss overtakes Carlo Ancelotti who has led teams to victory in the competition three times.
Guardiola has also led City to become the fourth English team to win the Club World Cup after Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea had previously seen success in the showpiece.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Kyle Walker, City’s skipper, set the tone for the match playing to perfection as City fought for our fifth piece of silverware in 2023.
The England international completed all of his 61 passes – only Rodrigo made more passes with 86.
In recognition for his fine defensive performances in both games, Walker was awarded the Adidas Silver Ball award.
FLOURISHING YOUTH
City’s younger stars were in the limelight once again and on one of the biggest stages in football.
Foden, aged 23, became the first English player to score in the competition since United’s Wayne Rooney in 2008.
Alvarez, who is just over one month away from celebrating his 24th birthday, has scored in six out of seven competitions the Club has competed in – the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield and FIFA Club World Cup – the most of any player for City since the start of last season.
The striker is also the youngest player to score in the Club World Cup since Boca Juniors’ Pablo Ledesma in 2007.
And aged 19 years and 31 days, Rico Lewis became the youngest player to start in the final of the competition since United’s Rafael in 2008.
City’s future looks bright!
