Cole Palmer admitted he was “confused” as to why Donald Trump remained on stage for Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy lift.
The President of the United States was in attendance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday as Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the inaugural edition of the 32-team Club World Cup.
Trump handed Chelsea captain Reece James the trophy as the players stood on their winners’ podium but then appeared unaware that he was meant to promptly leave the stage to join FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Trump, who was booed by some of the 81,118 crowd, was stood amongst the Chelsea players as they lifted the trophy and celebrated, before Infantino returned to the stage to escort Trump to the back, behind the Blues.
TV cameras picked up Palmer mouthing “What is he doing?” to James in relation to Trump remaining on stage as the trophy lift was about to begin.
Speaking about it afterwards, Palmer, who scored twice, said: “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. I was a bit confused, yes.”
THE TROPHY IS OURS!!! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/FhvHlgNO3c
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 13, 2025
James added: “They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay.
“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.”
Trump appeared briefly with a reporter at half-time during DAZN’s coverage.
He said: “I am having a really great time. Tremendous sport.”
