Reece James revealed that United States President Donald Trump “wanted to stay” during Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy celebrations.
The Blues defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the showpiece match at MetLife Stadium thanks to a Cole Palmer brace and a composed finish from Joao Pedro before half-time.
Chelsea won a final by a three-goal margin for the fourth time, also doing so in the 1955 Community Shield (3-0 vs Newcastle), 2019 UEFA Europa League (4-1 vs Arsenal) and the 2025 UEFA Conference League (4-1 vs Real Betis).
The London side are also the first English team to win multiple Club World Cup titles, including the previous format, and have not lost an international final (excluding super cups) since 2013.
Trump helped hand out the individual awards and medals before the trophy itself. But rather than walking to the side with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, he remained next to James for the trophy lift.
The Chelsea captain confirmed that Trump wanted to stay for the celebration and congratulated the team on their success.
“They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage. I thought that he was going to exit the stage but he wanted to stay,” said James.
“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.”
Palmer, who was named Player of the Tournament, was also visibly bemused by Trump’s presence on the stage.
Palmer added: “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.”
