In a spectacle both on and off the pitch, U.S. President Donald Trump made an interesting appearance at the Club World Cup final held at MetLife Stadium, where Chelsea cruised to a convincing 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
The Premier League giants were crowned world champions in style, with rising star Cole Palmer stealing the show with a dazzling performance that yielded all three goals in the opening 45 minutes.
FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP WINNERS!!! pic.twitter.com/KnbFOjfqzg
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 13, 2025
Trump arrived at the venue in trademark fashion, touching down via Marine One before being escorted to a VIP box alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and First Lady Melania Trump.
During the national anthem at the Club World Cup, the Jumbotron went to President Trump, who was standing and saluting next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Some boos rang out, and the screen quickly moved elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/9XY2MAr2vu— Matt Viser (@mviser) July 13, 2025
The 47th president appeared to be enjoying the spectacle, calling soccer a "wonderful sport" during halftime and offering his view that Brazilian legend Pelé remains the greatest player of all time.
Donald Trump reveals who he believes is the greatest football player ⚽️
GLOBAL HOME OF FOOTBALL | Live All Summer Long | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld @emilyraustin pic.twitter.com/PO8id5tfAw— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 13, 2025
After the final whistle, Trump made his way onto the pitch for the post-match ceremonies, a move that drew a chorus of boos from a section of the 80,000+ fans in attendance.
Trump booed loudly as he takes the stage for the Club World Cup trophy presentation pic.twitter.com/bNSIhtc8nk
— Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) July 13, 2025
Booing as Trump emerges for FIFA Club World Cup trophy presentation pic.twitter.com/1974XnlWwr
— Danny Kemp (@dannyctkemp) July 13, 2025
As part of the official award presentations, he handed out the Young Player of the Tournament award, the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper, and the Golden Ball for the tournament's top performer — unsurprisingly awarded to Palmer.
| Cole Palmer (23) wins 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Best Player of the Tournament award. Donald Trump hands it to him. pic.twitter.com/AFmukBbRgN
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 13, 2025
However, the evening's most talked-about moment came during Chelsea’s trophy lift. As captain Reece James raised the gleaming golden trophy aloft, Trump stood in the middle of the squad, momentarily appearing to soak in the celebration.
Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was seen urging Trump to step aside, while Infantino subtly motioned for him to move to the edge of the stage, prompting awkward glances and laughter across the stage.
THEY DID IT! @ChelseaFC lift the FIFA Club World Cup!
CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLDGLOBAL HOME OF FOOTBALL | Live All Summer Long | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #CHEPSG pic.twitter.com/44SgOhV7n7
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 13, 2025
Trump’s cameo in the soccer world is set to repeat itself next summer.
It is likely that he will make appearances during the 2025 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, with MetLife Stadium set to take center stage again for the final match of the tournament.
