Quick Read
- Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0 to win the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
- President Trump unexpectedly joined Chelsea on the podium during the trophy lift.
- Cole Palmer was named Player of the Tournament after scoring two goals in the final.
- Trump suggested renaming soccer as ‘football’ in the U.S. ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- The event marked one year since an assassination attempt on Trump during his campaign.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, held on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, became a historic event for Chelsea Football Club as they claimed a resounding 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). However, the spotlight on the Blues’ triumph was somewhat overshadowed by the unexpected involvement of U.S. President Donald Trump, who not only attended the match but also joined the team on the podium during the trophy ceremony.
Chelsea’s Dominance on the Field
Under the tactical guidance of manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea displayed an exceptional first-half performance that left PSG stunned. The star of the night was 23-year-old English midfielder Cole Palmer, who scored two brilliant goals in the 22nd and 30th minutes. His first goal capitalized on a defensive error by PSG’s Nuno Mendes, while his second came from a precise long pass by Levi Colwill, showcasing Palmer’s clinical finishing. João Pedro added a third goal just before halftime, cementing Chelsea’s dominance.
“We won the game in the first 10 minutes,” Maresca explained in a post-match interview, highlighting the team’s aggressive start. Speaking to AP News, Palmer said, “The gaffer put a great game plan out, and we executed it perfectly.” This victory marked Chelsea as the first winners of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup format.
Donald Trump Takes Center Stage
President Trump’s presence at the final was anticipated, but his active participation in the trophy ceremony surprised many. Standing alongside Chelsea captain Reece James, Trump was seen handing out medals and even the Golden Ball award to Cole Palmer, who was named Player of the Tournament. According to The Hill, FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared to step aside for Trump during the pivotal moment when Chelsea lifted the trophy.
The event unfolded exactly one year after an assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, adding a layer of personal significance for the president. Speaking to reporters post-match, Trump remarked, “It was a great match and an incredible achievement for Chelsea.”
While some in the crowd cheered Trump’s arrival, others booed when he was shown on the stadium’s big screen. Nevertheless, Trump seemed unfazed, mingling with players and posing for photographs, including one with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, who was awarded Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
A Year of Highs and Lows for Trump
The Club World Cup final was not only a sporting event but also a moment of political theater. Trump’s involvement comes as he continues to recover from the physical and political scars of two assassination attempts during his 2024 campaign. According to The Sun, the president used the platform to promote unifying themes, even suggesting a controversial executive order to rename “soccer” as “football” in the United States, aligning with global terminology ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Trump’s remarks about renaming the sport sparked debate, with some seeing it as a symbolic gesture to foster international unity. “Soccer, or football, is a sport that can bring the world together,” Trump stated, emphasizing its global appeal.
Celebrations and Controversy
The trophy ceremony itself became a viral spectacle, with videos circulating online of Trump lingering on the podium as Chelsea celebrated. According to Goal, Chelsea players, including Palmer, appeared bemused by Trump’s prolonged presence. Some reports suggested Palmer muttered, “What’s he doing?” as the president positioned himself prominently next to the team.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Chelsea fans and players alike were jubilant. The victory capped off an impressive season for the club, which also won the Europa Conference League earlier in the year. The Club World Cup win further solidifies Chelsea’s status as one of the premier teams in global football.
Chelsea’s triumph at the Club World Cup was a moment of sporting excellence, but it will also be remembered for the unexpected political spectacle that unfolded on the podium. As the team prepares for the upcoming Premier League season, their victory serves as a reminder of their growing dominance on the global stage.