US President Donald Trump caught the eye following the Club World Cup final as he stuck around for Chelsea’s celebrations with the tournament trophy after presenting the award
Donald Trump made sure he was a firm part of Chelsea’s trophy celebrations after they won the Club World Cup in the United States on Sunday. And the nation’s President has revealed the Blues were not even parading the original tournament’s trophy as it’s actually in his possession.
Enzo Maresca’s side put in an impressive display to spring a shock victory of Paris Saint-Germain as they pulled off a 3-0 win at the MetLife Stadium. A Cole Palmer brace and goal from Joao Pedro handed Chelsea success in the global tournament as Trump watched on alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino in the stands.
And the businessman-turned-politician was on duty to hand out awards on Sunday, ahead of the US hosting the World Cup in 12 months time. Trump was not about to miss out on a photograph opportunity as he lingered when Chelsea prepared to raise the trophy for the first time.
It has emerged that Reece James was only handed an imitation of the original piece of silverware however. Trump revealed he was gifted the award to keep at the Whitehouse.
Speaking in an interview with DAZN, Trump said: “They said, ‘Could you hold this trophy for a little while?’ We put it in the Oval Office.
READ MORE: Levi Colwill makes bold Chelsea prediction for new season after Club World Cup gloryREAD MORE: Chelsea’s pre-season plans for football’s shortest summer break after Club World Cup glory
“Then I said, ‘When are you going to pick up the trophy?’ He says, ‘We’re never going to pick it up. You can have it forever in the Oval Office. We’re making a new one.’
“And they actually made a new one. So that was quite exciting. It’s in the Oval right now.”
Members of Chelsea’s squad were left perplexed by Trump’s continued presence as they lifted the trophy, as the bizarre visual was broadcast around the world.
“They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage. I thought that he was going to exit the stage but he wanted to stay,” Blues captain James said of the situation.
Asked what Trump said to him, the academy product added: “To be honest, it was quite loud. I couldn’t hear too much.
“He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.”
Man-of-the-match Palmer, who was also awarded the player of the tournament by Trump, was equally caught off guard.
“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,” he said. “I was a bit confused, yes.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.