Trump Sparks Friction on the Awards Podium of the Club World Cup Victors - Trump Causes Frustration on the World Cup Stage
In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump took centre stage at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The tournament, which received significant support from the U.S. government, was a spectacle that attracted fans from 168 countries.
On July 13, 2025, Trump attended the final between Chelsea and PSG, sitting in a private box alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the First Lady, Melania Trump. Following Chelsea's 3-0 victory, Trump joined Infantino at midfield to present the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James.
The unusual aspect of the trophy presentation was that Trump did not leave immediately after handing over the trophy but stayed at the front of the team's celebratory group for the trophy lift. This move, which is typically reserved exclusively for the winning team, surprised players such as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who reported being taken aback by Trump's presence on the winner's podium.
Trump's presence at the trophy presentation was met with a mixed reaction from the crowd. The stadium's PA system attempted to counteract the negative reaction by increasing music volume, but there were still audible boos from the audience. Earlier, during the national anthem, Trump’s appearance on the video boards drew a mixed response of cheers and jeers from the full crowd of 81,118 spectators.
The stadium where the Club World Cup final was held will also host the 2026 World Cup final. The US President's prominent role in the ceremony and his stay during the team's celebration drew media attention, with some describing the moment as awkward and the spotlight being somewhat stolen by Trump.
Despite the mixed reception, FC Chelsea emerged victorious, securing their place in history as the winners of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The team's captain, Reece James, attempted to celebrate with his teammates after the match, but Trump was still on the podium. Trump, who appeared to enjoy the trophy presentation, applauded when James raised the trophy. Cole Palmer, the 'Man of the Match' and double goal scorer for FC Chelsea, reported being surprised by Trump's presence on the winner's podium.
As the US prepares to host the 2026 World Cup final, this unprecedented trophy presentation by President Trump will undoubtedly be remembered as a unique moment in sports history.
[1] FIFA President Gianni Infantino's thank you speech to President Trump for the U.S. government's support in bringing the event to the United States and successfully hosting it. [2] Reports from various media outlets covering the event. [3] Social media reactions to Trump's participation in the trophy presentation. [4] Statements from Cole Palmer and Reece James regarding their surprise at Trump's presence on the winner's podium. [5] Video footage of the trophy presentation showing Trump staying on the podium during the team's celebration.
- The Community policy and Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union might have wondered at the unprecedented trophy presentation at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, as US President Donald Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino, not just as a spectator but also on the winner's podium.
- Despite the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union having their focus on international relations, the sports community, particularly football (soccer) enthusiasts, found themselves discussing and arguing about the unconventional trophy presentation at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, where US President Donald Trump stayed on the winner's podium, a move typically reserved exclusively for the winning team.
