Chelsea's Reece James holds the championship trophy as he celebrates with teammates and President Donald Trump, second right, after Chelsea won against Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP) AP

Trump was right in the middle of the English side’s players as captain Reece James received the trophy and then lifted it above his head. Video appeared to show FIFA President Gianni Infantino gesturing for Trump to leave the players to it, but Trump stayed where he was.

While many U.S. conservatives have long disliked soccer, Trump has been known to embrace the sport. Right-wing media outlet the Washington Free Beacon published a “bombshell” report in 2016 that revealed the then-candidate for the Republican nomination for President had played soccer in high school.

U.S. President Donald Trump paid homage to soccer great Pele after being met with boos and cheers from the crowd at the Club World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Donald Trump awkwardly gatecrashed Chelsea's Club World Cup trophy lift, lingering on stage as FIFA officials tried to usher him away during the celebration