Internet loses it as Donald Trump pockets item at Club World Cup final
Behind the scenes footage of Donald Trump has caused a stir with the US President seen quietly walking off stage with an item in his pocket.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The fallout to Donald Trump’s chaotic appearance at the Club World Cup continues with the US President accused of stealing a medal.
The leader of the free world had already caused a stir when he ignored Chelsea players and remained on the stage during the club’s celebrations following a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Monday.
Footage of Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s perplexed facial expression at the sight of Trump on the victory dais has gone viral in the past 24 hours and there was no hiding captain Reece James’ frustration with Trump’s presence when he was preparing to hold the silverware aloft.
The 79-year-old was seen handing out many of the medals during the procession of players walking onto the stage alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The pair then handed the trophy over to James.
It is an unwritten rule for politicians and dignitaries to leave the stage at that point to give the team their moment to shine, but the 47th President of the United States remained on stage with a beaming smile, — even pumping his fist while players began chanting a club anthem.
With snipers and security agents stationed around the stadium, Trump appeared to be gestured away from the stage initially by Infantino, before an incredulous James, 25, was seen asking him, “Are you staying?”
The Republican leader had also inadvertently blocked the view of Golden Ball winner Palmer, who had a confused look on his face as he was also seen asking James, “What’s he doing?”
Marc Cucurella was also seen staring inquisitively at Trump and then started laughing when James appeared to ask him to leave.
Vision taken by spectators in the stadium showed FIFA President Gianni Infantino eventually walked into the middle of the stage to escort Trump out the back behind the players.
There was more drama to come as Infantino quietly handed Trump a champions medal on the side of the stage while players were celebrating.
Trump didn’t appear to care too much as he put the item inside his jacket pocket and walked off the stage.
A ten-second video of Trump’s act has gone viral on social media with many fans suggesting the President had stolen the medallion — however, those claims have proven to be false, judging by extended footage shared online.
It wasn’t the worst moment for Trump. He was loudly booed as he walked onto the field following the game. He had also been jeered by some sections of the crowd when he was shown on the big screen inside the stadium.
According to the BBC, there was one more round of booing as Trump left the field.
Speaking after the game, Palmer, 23, and James both admitted they were surprised about the turn of events.
Palmer told the BBC: “I knew he was going to be here but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy so I was a bit confused, yeah.”
Captain James added to Sky Sports: “Before they told me he (Trump) was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage.
“Then I thought he was going to exit the stage but he wanted to stay.”
You can literally see Cole Palmer visibly confused at Trump being there, you can’t make this up ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/4MPKsTS1xX
— bastoni enjoyer (@Makiark1) July 13, 2025
Reece James asking Donald Trump ‘are you gonna leave’ and Trump just not moving for the trophy lift is mental 😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/NOpwnZ240d
— Leyton Bracegirdle (@leytonb) July 13, 2025
Following the game Trump revealed he had a good time, and joked he would even consider signing an executive order to change America’s naming of “soccer” to football for next year’s World Cup.
Football fans around the world had been left in stitches at the scenes of Trump putting himself in the middle of the celebrations.
One person posted on X: “Who invited Trump? He thinks he’s part of the team”.
One fan wrote: “Awkward!!!! Trump doesn’t know social cues. Watch the guy trying so hard to get him to leave”.
Another posted: “It’s so annoying and embarrassing to see someone not related to the game at all ruining player’s dream moment.”.
One person wrote Trump “outstayed his welcome”.
Others, however, described Trump’s actions as “legend s***”.
One person posted on X: “Trump is a baller for real. Chelsea just won the club world cup. Trump gave them the trophy and refused to leave the podium, almost jumping with the players.”
Another person wrote: “Trump is having the time of his life at the FIFA Club World Cup”.
MetLife stadium will host the final of net year’s World Cup, which is being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Originally published as Internet loses it as Donald Trump pockets item at Club World Cup final
Transfer latest: Liverpool agree $142m deal, Utd finally sign star
Liverpool are closing in on a new striker after agreeing to a lofty sum with a Bundesliga club, while Manchester United’s long chase of a Premier League star has finally come to an end.
New details in alleged A-League betting fraud
An offer put forward by a soccer player charged over his alleged involvement in an A-League betting fraud scheme has been rejected by prosecutors, a court has been told.