Chelsea’s Club World Cup win included a surprise guest: President Donald Trump.
After Chelsea beat Paris St-Germain 3-0 in New Jersey on Sunday, Trump gave the trophy to Chelsea’s captain, Reece James, before being asked to step aside by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
However, Trump stayed with James and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, applauding as James lifted the trophy; he remained there briefly before exiting the stage with Infantino.
England’s James revealed he’d been told the trophy presenter would depart after the ceremony, but the presenter decided to stay.
“He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.”
“I knew he’d be present,” said Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s double goalscorer in the final, “but I didn’t realize he’d be in the stands during the trophy ceremony.”
“I was a bit confused, yes.”
MetLife Stadium hosted the final of the expanded and improved Club World Cup, drawing a crowd of 81,118; the event included elaborate pre-game entertainment and a halftime performance.
During Chelsea’s impressive final victory, Trump joined Infantino, and at halftime, a Dazn interview revealed he was “having a really great time.”
He elaborated in a subsequent, longer Sunday interview: “My friend Gianni has done a fantastic job with the league and the sport we call soccer, or football.”
“But it’s great to watch – and this is a little bit of an upset that we’re watching today, isn’t it?”
Trump smiled and said, “I think we could do that,” when the suggestion was made that he issue an executive order to rename the sport “football”. I believe I’m capable of that.
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico will team up to host the men’s 2026 World Cup next summer.
Credit: BBC Sports
