The Chelsea captain raises the trophy – and Donald Trump stands in the middle. © APA / DAVID RAMOS

At the award ceremony: Trump causes irritation

US President Donald Trump's unconventional manner also caused astonishment and irritation at the awards ceremony after the final of the Club World Championship in New York.

July 14, 2025

From: dpa/det

The 79-year-old simply remained on the winners' podium after presenting the gold medals to the victorious Chelsea players following their 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. Captain Reece James was about to join his teammates there to celebrate. Normally, this moment belongs solely to the winners.

"We were a little irritated," said Cole Palmer, the double goalscorer named "Man of the Match," in the post-match press conference. Reece then simply raised the trophy aloft – and Trump applauded. Thus, the US President was included in the celebratory photos.

Trump joined the winning team. © APA / JARED C. TILTON

When Trump, accompanied by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, walked onto the pitch at the stadium in New Jersey for the awards ceremony, he received mixed reactions from the more than 80.000 spectators.

Applause and boos for Trump

There was applause for him, but also much louder boos. Trump, however, seemed unfazed. He clearly enjoyed the awards ceremony. Trump spent most of the final in a stadium box alongside his wife and First Lady Melania Trump, as well as the Infantino couple.

In a year, the national team's World Cup finals will also culminate in the stadium in East Rutherford, near New York City. The final will take place on July 19, 2026. Trump's term as president will still be running at that time.