The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13, ended with Chelsea’s impressive 3-0 win over PSG. But what followed the match was far from expected. U.S. President Donald Trump found himself at the center of controversy when he stayed on stage during Chelsea’s trophy lift.
Trump’s Unwanted Spotlight
After Chelsea’s victory, Trump, who had presented the “Player of the Tournament” award to Cole Palmer, lingered on stage while the players celebrated. His presence quickly turned into an uncomfortable situation as he used the moment to shift the focus from football to politics.
In an interview with DAZN reporter Emily Austin, Trump boasted about his political success, saying, “We were doing badly as a country, but now we have a hot country, and I think soccer will be hot too.”
The interruption didn’t stop there. Trump also took the opportunity to criticize the previous administration, prompting immediate backlash. His decision to use a sports event to promote his political achievements shocked many fans, who felt it was an inappropriate time for such remarks.
Fans React to Political Rhetoric
The public reaction was swift. Fans expressed frustration on social media, with many labeling the interview “embarrassing” and “awkward.” Journalist Alfie House from the Daily Echo tweeted, “Why is DAZN broadcasting a political interview with Donald Trump? This is absurd.”
Other users were quick to comment on Trump’s behavior, accusing him of making the moment uncomfortable for both the players and the viewers.
Trump’s Controversial History With Sports
This wasn’t the first time Trump’s political involvement in sports raised eyebrows. Earlier in the tournament, he invited Juventus to the White House, where the conversation awkwardly shifted to topics like bombing Iran. U.S. soccer player Timothy Weah later described the moment as “weird.”
Trump’s repeated blurring of the lines between politics and sports has sparked questions: Can the two worlds coexist without controversy?
The Fallout
Trump’s actions at the Club World Cup have reignited debates on the role of politics in sports. Football, a unifying force globally, now faces the challenge of maintaining its pure sporting spirit amidst increasing political interference. As this issue continues to evolve, many are left wondering if we’ll ever see a separation of the two.
In the end, Trump’s appearance overshadowed Chelsea’s historic victory, leaving fans to question the future of politics in sports.