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Donald Trump attends Club World Cup final and pays tribute to soccer legend Pele
U.S. president Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance at the Club World Cup final on Sunday, where his presence drew a mixed reaction from the crowd at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The event marked the conclusion of the revamped Club World Cup, which ended with Chelsea’s commanding 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
Seated alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump was briefly shown on the stadium’s big screen during the U.S. national anthem, receiving a combination of boos and cheers from fans. Later, after the final whistle, Trump joined the trophy presentation ceremony, where he handed the championship trophy to Chelsea players and stood among them for the traditional team photo, once again facing some jeers from spectators.
In a post-match interview, Chelsea’s midfielder Cole Palmer, who scored two goals, admitted surprise at Trump’s presence during the celebration. “I knew he was going to be there but didn’t expect him on the podium,” he said.
During a televised interview with DAZN, Trump was asked about soccer’s “GOAT” (greatest of all time) and named Brazilian legend Pele. Trump recalled seeing Pele play for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, describing him as “fantastic” and comparing his impact to baseball icon Babe Ruth.
Trump has increasingly appeared at major sporting events during his second term, from attending the Super Bowl to announcing Washington D.C. as the host of the 2027 NFL draft. He also frequently attends UFC fights and has even expressed interest in hosting combat sports events at the White House.
FIFA, meanwhile, recently opened a new office in Trump Tower, New York, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature a record 48 national teams.
Trump’s attendance at the final comes amid tensions on the international front, following his announcement of a proposed 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union—a move that has raised concerns among U.S. allies and investors.