The president took center stage and critics noticed.
Chelsea soccer star Cole Palmer said he was as puzzled as any by President Donald Trump’s joining in with his side’s lifting of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday.
Trump was right in the middle of the English side’s players as captain Reece James received the trophy and then lifted it above his head. Video appeared to show FIFA President Gianni Infantino gesturing for Trump to leave the players to it, but Trump stayed where he was.
Even the Daily Mail described it as a gatecrash.
“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, so I was a bit confused,” said Palmer, whose two goals helped Chelsea to a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Palmer was also named the tournament’s top player.
Trump was booed by the crowd as he presented medals to the English team’s victorious players. Jeers also rang out earlier in the game when the Jumbotron cut to images of Trump watching the game.
Some social media users accused Trump of hijacking the moment.
Trump can’t stand not being the center of attention — even at the World Cup.
— AnatolijUkraine (@AnatoliUkraine) July 14, 2025
He hijacked the moment, embarrassed the U.S., and made it all about him. Again.
Donald Trump just totally highjacked the trophy presentation for the Club World Cup @FIFAcom that is some fine sports washing! Fair play!
— Warren Farrell (@WarrenJJF) July 13, 2025
Category: General Sports
