Donald Trump appeared at the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday (July 13), sparking a wave of online reactions — many of them unflattering. The former president joined Chelsea FC after their 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. What was supposed to be a ceremonial moment quickly turned awkward.
After handing over the trophy with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump remained on stage as Chelsea players gathered to celebrate. Infantino stepped aside, but Trump stayed in the frame. Fans online called the moment “cringe” and “embarrassing.”
Chelsea captain Reece James and other players looked visibly uncomfortable. They seemed unsure how to celebrate with the former president standing right next to them during the trophy lift.
Lip Reader Decodes the Confusion
Lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling, speaking for OLBG, analyzed the awkward moment and shared what she believes was said. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer appeared confused by Trump’s presence. He turned to a teammate and asked: “Can you ask him to move this way?… wait, what’s going on?”
Hickling said Trump seemed to want to hold the trophy with Reece James. But James replied: “I got this.” He then turned to goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and said: “It’s actually heavy.”
Trump, still lingering, looked at Sánchez and reportedly said: “What? Let’s go.” To ease the tension, Sánchez stepped forward, waved calmly, and said: “On the count of three, come on, come on.”
The players, though respectful, clearly wanted their moment — and Trump’s continued presence seemed to disrupt that.
Boos and Body Language Add to the Drama
The awkward celebration wasn’t the only moment Trump made headlines at the match. According to The Guardian, parts of the stadium crowd booed when Trump appeared on the big screens during the game. While reactions were mixed, the public’s discomfort was audible and widespread.
Body language expert Darren Stanton weighed in on Trump’s demeanor, calling his appearance “disingenuous.” Stanton said: “He’s got such a fake smile, a masking smile. It’s almost like a dad at a wedding, trying to show excitement but looking like a fish out of water.”
He added, “Trump makes these fist gestures and jumps up and down — it just doesn’t seem authentic. It’s like he’s trying to be part of the celebration without knowing how.”
Even Cole Palmer, in a post-match interview, admitted he was confused. “I knew he was going to be there,” he said, “but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand where we lift the trophy.”
In the end, Chelsea got their win — but the spotlight, for better or worse, briefly shifted from football to politics.
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