In a bizarre turn of event, President Donald Trump joined Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebration following Blues shock 3-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey on Sunday and his presence has sparked mixed reactions among football fans around the globe.
The Club World Cup showed that the U.S is capable of being a soccer nation, but Trump’s unawareness shows how far away football is in that country compared to the NFL and NBA.
As Chelsea’s Reece James prepared to lift the Club World Cup trophy, Infantino discreetly tried to usher Trump aside; however, the President lingered awkwardly among the victorious squad, Softfootball confirmed.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer was like much of the world wondering why President Donald Trump was obliviously standing in the middle of their trophy celebration after winning the FIFA Club World Cup. The Golden Ball winner Cole Palmer turned to Chelsea captain Reece James and said:
“Wait, wait, what’s he doing?”
Palmer’s comment came just before the team began the customary celebration performed by clubs when commemorating a major title. James asked Trump before hoisting the golden-globed trophy:
“Are you going to leave?”
Trump smiled and clapped amongst the Chelsea players before FIFA president Gianni Infantino eventually pulled him away.
“I knew he was going to be there, but I didn’t know he was going be on the stand where we lift the trophy. So, I was a bit confused,”
Palmer said while talking to reporters after the game.
Crowd reactions were mixed. Some booed when Trump walked onto the stage, others celebrated with cheers. On social media fans reactions range from eye rolling to outright laughter. Below are some the reactions curated by Softfootball:
— Global Index (@TheGlobal_Index) July 14, 2025
What a guy Reece James asking him if he wanted to stay and he was like yeah of course 🤣
— Harry 🇬🇧🏴 (@harryxafc) July 13, 2025
A fan captured the wild scene in one epic line:
What a wild scene! Chelsea hoisting the trophy with Trump right in the middle? That’s a photo for the history books! 🏆🇺🇸⚽
— Mina Caroll (@carollmina17) July 13, 2025
Another fan couldn’t hide their disbelief:
It’s crazy that he doesn’t even know what the sport is called, yet he’s still out there on the pitch with the players.
— MATHIAS (@olddude1807) July 13, 2025
Fans had jokes too like this one:
Bro thinks he’s the chelsea’s coach 😭😭😭😭
— 1*¹² | 🩵 U (@kucingjantan_07) July 14, 2025
Another fan reacted:
👀 …Can someone come & collect their grandad…
FFS, look at Gianni Infantino going to fetch him 😂
— Soph (@Soph81640665) July 13, 2025
The tournament’s restructured format has ignited discussions regarding organizational challenges for upcoming competitions, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.
Trump also commanded attention throughout the proceedings, underscoring FIFA’s deepening connections with American political figures.
In an earlier report, Softfootball reported that the US President, Donald Trump names late Pele, the GOAT as he saw Chelsea beat PSG. Trump, who attended the match with first lady Melania Trump, was greeted with cheers as he arrived at the stadium but also got a smattering of boos when he was briefly shown on the stadium’s view screen.
The Trumps were joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a luxury box to watch the match.
