Trump’s Medal and Trophy Heist: A New Low in Sports and Politics? 🏅
Trump’s Medal and Trophy Heist: A New Low in Sports and Politics? 🏅💼
On July 13, 2025, the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was meant to be a celebration of Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, marking their first title in the newly formatted competition. Instead, the event was overshadowed by US President Donald Trump, who was caught on camera pocketing a winners’ medal meant for the Chelsea players. The incident, which has since gone viral, has sparked a mix of outrage, amusement, and debate, highlighting the ongoing tensions between sports and politics.
The Incident Unfolded
During the trophy presentation, FIFA President Gianni Infantino handed Trump a winners’ medal to examine while distributing others to the Chelsea squad. In a moment captured on video, Trump discreetly slipped the medal into his suit blazer instead of returning it. Infantino, rather than addressing the issue, appeared to shrug it off, flashing a thumbs-up and allowing Trump to keep the medal. The clip quickly spread across social media, with users dubbing it “The Art of the Steal” and one commenting, “He didn’t play a minute” (The Independent).
The controversy didn’t end there. Reports indicate that Trump also kept the original gold FIFA Club World Cup trophy, which is traditionally retained by FIFA, while Chelsea received a replica. Trump later claimed the trophy was a gift from Infantino and is now displayed in the Oval Office (Daily Mail). This has raised questions about the propriety of Trump’s actions and his relationship with Infantino, who has visited Washington, D.C., multiple times since Trump’s return to office, likely in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, partly hosted in the US (The Daily Beast).
Chelsea’s Confusion and Fan Reactions
Chelsea players were visibly perplexed by Trump’s presence on stage. Captain Reece James was seen asking Trump if he was going to leave, while player of the tournament Cole Palmer expressed his confusion, stating, “I was a bit confused. I knew he was going to be there, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand where we lifted the trophy” (TIME). The players’ reactions underscored the awkwardness of the moment, as Trump’s actions overshadowed their historic victory.
The atmosphere at MetLife Stadium was already charged. While some fans cheered Trump upon his arrival, others booed when he appeared on the video screens during the national anthem and again after the match (CNN). Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with memes and commentary, with hashtags like #TrumpMedalHeist trending as users debated whether the incident was a harmless prank or a serious breach of protocol.
A Pattern of Controversy
This incident is not an isolated one for Trump, whose history of controversial actions—ranging from business dealings to political maneuvers—has often drawn scrutiny. The medal heist has been seen by some as emblematic of a broader sense of entitlement, with critics arguing it reflects a disregard for established norms. Others, however, view it as a lighthearted moment, amplified by social media’s tendency to turn minor events into viral spectacles.
FIFA’s response has done little to quell the criticism. A spokesperson confirmed that the medal was intended for the winning team but noted that since Infantino allowed Trump to keep it, there was no issue (The Independent). This explanation has been met with skepticism, with many questioning why a non-player was permitted to walk away with a winners’ medal and the original trophy.
Chelsea’s Triumph Overshadowed
Despite the controversy, Chelsea’s performance on the pitch was nothing short of remarkable. The Blues dominated Paris Saint-Germain with a 3-0 victory, driven by two goals from Cole Palmer and one from Joao Pedro. The win marked a historic moment for the team, as they claimed the inaugural title in the newly formatted FIFA Club World Cup. However, Trump’s actions have shifted much of the public’s focus away from the team’s achievement, turning the event into a political spectacle.
The Bigger Picture
The incident underscores the complex interplay between sports and politics. Trump’s presence at the event, coupled with his actions, has sparked broader discussions about accountability, privilege, and the role of public figures in traditionally apolitical spaces like sports. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the relationship between Trump and Infantino will likely remain under scrutiny, as will FIFA’s handling of such incidents.
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