Donald Trump unapologetically hijacks Chelsea's FIFA trophy stage while Cole Palmer freezes in confusion
Nobody expected this moment to steal the spotlight. After Chelsea's big win in the FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13, 2025, something strange happened on stage. While fans cheered and cameras rolled, the attention slowly shifted from the players to United States President
Donald Trump
, who did something no one saw coming.
Cole Palmer
and
Reece James
looked unsure as Donald Trump stayed on stage
Chelsea Football Club, having just defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, had Chelsea's historic Club World Cup win sealed with two goals from Star striker Cole Palmer and one from Joao Pedro.
Poised to raise the trophy in front of thousands of supporters was team captain Reece James. Donald Trump took the stage with Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President, following the game to present Reece James with the prize.
What should have been a brief handshake and picture chance turned into perplexity as Donald Trump elected not to quit the stage after the presentation. Instead, he stayed standing at center field as Cole Palmer and others awkwardly looked about. Cole Palmer was seen on camera asking, "Wait, wait, what's he doing? " Reece James seemed reluctant to start the party.
Donald Trump grinned but remained put, applauding next to the team.
Gianni Infantino eventually lightly tapped Donald Trump on the shoulder and escorted him off stage. Only then did the Chelsea team start their trophy lift and celebration.
Donald Trump's actions during the FIFA Club World Cup final spark debate
Donald Trump's presence wasn't limited to the stage. Earlier in the night, during the national anthem, fans at the MetLife Stadium gave mixed reactions when his face appeared on the big screen. Some clapped, while others booed loudly.
Also Read:
Tom Brady's surprise FIFA Club World Cup appearance in Trump suite with wild message sets internet on fire
Even more debate followed when video footage showed Gianni Infantino appearing to hand Donald Trump a winner's medal.
Although there's no confirmation he accepted it, fans online questioned why he was on stage for so long and whether that moment was appropriate for a sitting president.
After the match, Donald Trump reportedly joked about the entire event and said he might sign an executive order to officially call the sport 'football' in the United States. That unexpected comment only added more buzz.
Chelsea's victory remains historic, but Donald Trump's unexpected stay on stage made headlines, sparking questions, laughter, and plenty of confusion across the soccer world.
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