Strange Reason Trump Was Given the Real FIFA Trophy and Left Chelsea With a Fake!

How did the Trump controversy at the FIFA World Cup affect Chelsea’s victory celebration?

The FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey was supposed to be a celebration of soccer, with Chelsea defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0.

But the spotlight shifted to an unexpected guest: U.S. President Donald Trump. His actions during the trophy presentation left players puzzled, fans booing, and social media buzzing.

From keeping the original trophy to lingering on stage, Trump’s presence turned a sports victory into a global talking point. Here’s what happened and why it’s causing such a stir.

Trump at FIFA World Cup Controversy: A Trophy That Stays in the Oval Office

During the match, Trump revealed to broadcaster DAZN that FIFA President Gianni Infantino gifted him the original FIFA Club World Cup trophy.

This stunning 24-carat gold-plated prize, designed by Tiffany & Co. and valued at around $230,000, was presented to Trump during a White House visit in March.

“They said, ‘Could you hold this trophy for a little while?’ We put it in the Oval Office,” Trump said.

He added that Infantino told him, “We’re never going to pick it up. You can have it forever.”

As a result, Chelsea, the tournament winners, lifted a replica trophy, not the original.

This unusual move sparked debate, as winning teams typically get to keep the authentic trophy for celebrations before it’s replaced with a replica later.

The decision wasn’t the only thing raising eyebrows. Reports also surfaced that Infantino set aside a winner’s medal for Trump, which he accepted after the ceremony.

While it’s unclear if he kept it, the gesture added fuel to the controversy, with some fans calling it unfair to the players who earned their medals on the field.

Confusion on the Trophy Stage

The trophy presentation was anything but smooth. After handing the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James, Trump stayed on stage, standing front and center as the team tried to celebrate.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer, who scored twice and was named the tournament’s best player, looked visibly confused.

“I knew he was going to be there, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand where we lifted the trophy,” Palmer said.

James also noted that he expected Trump to leave after presenting the trophy, but the president remained, clapping and smiling as if part of the team.

Lip reader Nicola Hickling, cited by OLBG, revealed that Palmer asked, “Can you ask him to move this way?” as he tried to navigate the awkward moment.

FIFA President Infantino tried to guide Trump off the stage, but the effort failed, leaving players like James and Palmer to share their moment with an unexpected guest.

Fans at MetLife Stadium booed Trump during the national anthem and again during the presentation, showing their frustration.

Social media erupted, with some calling the scene “embarrassing” and others questioning why Trump was so involved in a soccer event.

FIFA and Trump’s Close Ties

The incident highlights the cozy relationship between Trump and Infantino. Since Trump’s return to office in January 2025, Infantino has visited Washington, D.C., ten times, emphasizing that closeness to Trump is “crucial” for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host.

FIFA’s recent move to open an office in Trump Tower in New York further raised questions about their ties. Some see these gestures, like gifting the trophy and medal, as attempts to strengthen this partnership ahead of the global tournament.

While Chelsea celebrated their victory, the focus shifted to Trump’s actions. The original trophy remains in the Oval Office, and the players’ confusion has sparked a broader conversation about politics in sports.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, this moment may be a preview of more to come.

You might also want to read: Cole Palmer’s Hilarious Reaction to Trump During Chelsea Trophy Ceremony