East Rutherford, N.J. — The atmosphere at the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was filled with tension, not only due to the intensity of the match but also because of President Donald Trump’s unexpected appearance at the award ceremony. After Chelsea secured a commanding 3-0 win over PSG, Trump took the stage alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino to participate in the trophy presentation, but his arrival was met with a less-than-welcoming reception from the crowd.
The Ceremony: A Mixed Reception
The ceremony took place at MetLife Stadium, where Trump joined Infantino to congratulate the players. As they walked onto the field, the crowd responded with audible boos, which were further amplified when the President and Infantino were displayed on the stadium’s jumbotron. While some applause and cheers followed, the negative reaction from the fans was unmistakable. The stadium’s music briefly drowned out the discontented sound, but it was clear that not everyone was thrilled with Trump’s presence.
Trump, standing behind Infantino, was second in line to present the awards. He greeted the players with handshakes, offering pats on the back to several as they walked by him on stage. Among the notable awards presented were the Young Player of the Tournament to PSG’s Désiré Doué, the Golden Glove to Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, and the Golden Ball to Cole Palmer, who scored two of Chelsea’s three goals in the final. Trump then placed medals around the necks of the referees, an action that sparked even louder boos when he and Infantino posed with them for a photo.
An Awkward Moment with Chelsea’s Victory
Despite the fan reaction, the awards ceremony proceeded, and Chelsea’s players took the stage to accept their Club World Cup trophy. Trump stood with the team, but as they prepared to raise the trophy, Infantino pulled the President behind the players to allow the team’s celebration to take center stage. It was a clear indication of the moment’s dynamics, as the attention shifted away from Trump to Chelsea’s triumph.
Trump Reflects on the Match
After the ceremony, Trump appeared in an interview on DAZN’s broadcast, reflecting on the game. When asked who he considered the greatest of all time (GOAT) in soccer, Trump nostalgically referenced a moment from his youth. “Many years ago, when I was young, they brought a player named Pelé to play, and he played for a team called the Cosmos,” he said, recalling the iconic Brazilian soccer star’s time in the United States. “This place was packed… it was an earlier version of this stadium, but right here in the Meadowlands, and it was Pelé. I don’t want to date myself, but that was a long time ago.”
Speaking to reporters as he left the stadium, Trump acknowledged the surprising nature of Chelsea’s victory, calling it “a little bit of an upset” but praising the quality of the match and the tremendous crowd in attendance.
Security and Fan Reactions
Trump’s attendance at the final also had notable implications for stadium security. The heightened security presence was reportedly in place to manage the potential for public disruption given Trump’s polarizing presence at sporting events. Despite the tension surrounding his visit, the game proceeded smoothly, with the focus remaining on Chelsea’s impressive win on the field.
As Chelsea celebrates their well-earned victory and adds another prestigious title to their name, Trump’s involvement in the ceremony remains a moment of controversy, highlighting the complex intersection of politics, sports, and public sentiment.
