Cole Palmer could scarcely believe his eyes at New Jersey’s vast MetLife Stadium when Donald Trump refused to step aside during Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy ceremony. The United States President had watched the London side overpower Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to claim the inaugural 32-team crown. He duly handed captain Reece James the silverware, yet rather than retreat to join FIFA chief Gianni Infantino he remained centre stage, drawing a chorus of boos from sections of the 81 118 crowd.
On the pitch Mauricio Pochettino’s men delivered a performance of ruthless precision, Palmer striking twice to underline his rapid ascent in royal blue. Victory adds another global prize to Chelsea’s bulging cabinet and offers tangible proof of progress under the Argentine. Trump’s lingering presence, however, momentarily distracted players and supporters eager to savour the moment.
Television cameras caught Palmer turning to James in bemusement, lips forming the question, “What is he doing?” Speaking later the forward admitted, “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.” James echoed that surprise. “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,” the skipper explained. “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 eventually shuffled behind the jubilant squad once Infantino coaxed him away, though his brief half-time interview with DAZN kept the spotlight firmly on the White House visitor. “I am having a really great time. Tremendous sport,” he declared. While Palmer and Chelsea bask in global glory, the curious cameo ensured Trump also left his imprint on an evening already destined for club folklore.
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