Chelsea's Glory Interrupted by Unexpected Guest
Chelsea FC secured a historic victory on 13 July 2025, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. However, the post-match celebration took an unexpected turn when US President Donald Trump, who was present to award the trophy, remained on the podium, leaving players visibly surprised during their moment of triumph.
Under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea delivered a stunning performance against a PSG side considered among the world's elite. Cole Palmer, named Player of the Tournament, scored twice and assisted Joao Pedro's goal, establishing a 3-0 lead by half-time. The win, Chelsea's first in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, earned them £95 million ($125 million) in prize money. The post-match ceremony, however, shifted attention from the victory. Trump, alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, presented the trophy to captain Reece James. While Infantino stepped back after the presentation, Trump stayed on the podium, joining the squad as they celebrated.
Players React to the Unusual Moment
Chelsea's players expressed surprise at Trump's continued presence. Reece James, speaking to reporters, described the noisy atmosphere: 'It was quite loud. I couldn't hear much. He congratulated me and the team and said to enjoy the moment.'
Cole Palmer, whose brace and assist defined the match, admitted to being caught off guard. 'I knew he was going to be here, but I didn't expect him to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy,' he told DAZN. 'I was a bit confused, yeah.' His puzzled expression, captured in widely shared footage, underscored the unusual scene.
@elishareade Even @Cole Palmer looked confused on why trump just stood there 😂😂😂 #fifa #worldcup2025 #clubcup #donaldtrump
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Defender Levi Colwill shared a similar sentiment: 'They said he'd present the trophy and leave the stage. I thought he'd go, but he stayed.' The players adapted, continuing their celebration around Trump, who clapped and engaged with the moment.
@raiseurgame WHEN YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO READ THE ROOM 😭😂 #donaldtrump #colepalmer #reecejames #fyp #clubworldcup
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Trump attended the final on the anniversary of his 2024 assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, watching from a luxury suite with Infantino, former NFL star Tom Brady, and media tycoon Rupert Murdoch.
His appearance drew a mixed response from the crowd, with some boos audible, likely from English and French fans supporting Chelsea and PSG. In a DAZN interview, Trump praised the event, calling football 'a great sport' and noting its growing popularity. His decision to remain on the podium, however, became a focal point, with some drawing parallels to past football ceremonies where unexpected figures joined celebrations.
Chelsea's performance against PSG was a testament to their skill and Maresca's tactical nous. Yet, the ceremony's unusual moment briefly stole the spotlight. Players like Palmer, James, and Colwill, while surprised, remained focused on their achievement, with the Club World Cup title marking a high point in Chelsea's season.
Chelsea's 2025 Club World Cup victory showcased their ability to defy expectations and topple giants. While Trump's unexpected presence added an unusual footnote, it cannot diminish the significance of their achievement. The Blues' focus, as Palmer noted, was on proving doubters wrong and delivering for Maresca's vision. This triumph belongs to Chelsea, a moment of pride that will resonate long after the podium moment fades.
