Unexpected Guest: Donald Trump Joins Chelsea's Club World Cup Celebrations
A Surprising Presentation: Trump on Stage with Chelsea
In a twist that few anticipated, US President Donald Trump made a surprise appearance during Chelsea's jubilant celebrations after their 3-0 victory over Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup final held in New Jersey. As the Blues lifted the trophy, Trump took to the stage to present it to Chelsea captain Reece James, creating a memorable moment for players and fans alike.
A Moment to Remember: James Reflects on the Encounter
After the match, James recounted the unexpected nature of Trump's presence. “They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, but he wanted to stay,” James explained. The President congratulated the team and encouraged them to savor their victory, adding a unique touch to the trophy presentation.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez joined James on stage, and the trio shared a moment of celebration as the captain lifted the trophy high, with Trump applauding enthusiastically before stepping back alongside Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
Palmer's Surprise: A Confusing Yet Exciting Moment
Cole Palmer, who scored two goals in the final, expressed his surprise at Trump's presence on the podium. “I knew he was going to be here, but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes,” Palmer admitted, highlighting the unexpected nature of the event.
A Grand Finale: Celebrations at MetLife Stadium
The conclusion of the revamped Club World Cup, which featured extensive pre-match entertainment and a lively half-time show, attracted a crowd of 81,118 at MetLife Stadium. Trump watched the match alongside Infantino, enjoying Chelsea's impressive performance.
In a halftime interview with Dazn, Trump remarked, “I’m having a really great time,” and later commented on the match, noting, “This is a little bit of an upset that we’re watching today, isn’t it?”
A Playful Suggestion: Football or Soccer?
During a longer interview broadcast later, Trump praised Infantino's efforts in promoting soccer in the U.S., humorously acknowledging the terminology differences. “Gianni is a friend of mine, he’s done such a great job with the league and with soccer—or as they would call it 'football', but I guess we call it soccer,” he said. When prompted about the possibility of making an executive order to officially change the name to "football," Trump smiled and replied, “I think we could do that. I think I could do that.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Soccer in the U.S.
As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 Men's World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, Trump's presence at the Club World Cup final underscores the growing prominence of soccer in American sports culture. Chelsea's victory not only adds to their illustrious history but also highlights the increasing global appeal of the sport, with unexpected moments like Trump's appearance making headlines around the world.
