Chelsea fans are buzzing over a quirky theory that Noni Madueke’s missing FIFA Club World Cup winner’s medal might be sitting in the White House. The speculation started after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a high-profile Ukraine peace meeting this week.
While the summit focused on serious diplomatic discussions, football fans noticed something unusual behind the Resolute Desk, the FIFA Club World Cup trophy on display.
Chelsea’s Triumph in the Club World Cup
Chelsea lifted the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. last month after beating PSG 3-0 in a memorable final. Trump later revealed that Chelsea had received a replica trophy, with the original trophy placed in the Oval Office.
However, it wasn’t just the trophy that caught fans’ attention. Many believe a winner’s medal was visible next to it — sparking rumours that it might belong to Noni Madueke.
The Madueke Medal Theory
During the trophy presentation, FIFA President Gianni Infantino handed Trump a medal after the Chelsea squad had been recognised. Footage from the event shows Trump pocketing the medal before leaving the stage.
At the time, supporters speculated the medal may have belonged to Madueke, who was part of Chelsea’s squad but flew home mid-tournament to finalize his £52 million move to Arsenal. As a result, he missed the medal ceremony entirely.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella even fueled the rumor, joking: “He [Trump] put it in his pocket. He has it there in the White House, very well placed.”
The Truth Behind the Rumour
With images circulating of what appears to be a medal sitting beside the Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office, supporters have connected the dots and concluded it must be Madueke’s.
However, Daily Mail Sport recently reported that the winger was due to receive his official Club World Cup winner’s medal by mail, casting doubt on the fan-driven theory.
