Chelsea FC clinched a stunning 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to claim the FIFA Club World Cup title at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. But it wasn’t just the Blues’ on-pitch dominance that got fans talking. U.S. President Donald Trump, who presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James, made headlines by lingering front and center during the team’s celebratory moment, defying the usual protocol of stepping aside. The unexpected move sparked a frenzy on Twitter, with fans, pundits, and even players reacting to the bizarre scene. Here’s a deep dive into how Twitter exploded, complete with embedded tweets, and what it means for Chelsea’s historic win.
Chelsea’s Triumph Meets Trump’s Photobomb
Chelsea’s victory was a masterclass, with Cole Palmer scoring twice and assisting Joao Pedro’s goal to secure a 3-0 upset against the European champions, PSG. The match, part of the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup, was a landmark moment for the London club, marking their first-ever title in the revamped tournament. But as Reece James prepared to lift the trophy, Trump’s refusal to step off the podium turned the celebration into a viral spectacle.
Typically, dignitaries hand over the trophy and exit to let the team bask in their glory. Not this time. Trump, joined by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, stayed put, grinning broadly as Chelsea players celebrated around him. The awkwardness was palpable, with players like James and Palmer visibly confused. Twitter users didn’t hold back, flooding the platform with memes, hot takes, and hilarious commentary.
Twitter’s Reaction
The internet lit up as soon as Trump planted himself in Chelsea’s spotlight. Fans shared a mix of amusement, disbelief, and irritation, turning the moment into a viral sensation.
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@StokeyyG2 posted, “The moment Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup trophy alongside Donald Trump…🤣” alongside an image of Trump grinning next to Chelsea’s squad, racking up 7 million views. The viral post captured the absurdity, with fans retweeting it thousands of times for its raw reaction to the surreal scene. View Tweet
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@WolfRMFC shared, “I’m actually dying at this video Chelsea players were waiting for trump to leave but he didn’t 🤣” with a clip of Cole Palmer looking confused and Reece James seemingly asking, “Are you gonna leave?” The video became a fan favorite, amplifying the awkwardness of Trump’s podium presence. View Tweet
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@NakulX tweeted, “Absolutely dying at Donald Trump in the centre of Chelsea lifting the Club World Cup. Cole Palmer looking at DT confused is killing me 😂” with a close-up of Palmer’s puzzled expression, resonating with fans who found the scene hilarious and bizarre, earning thousands of likes. View Tweet
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@RT_com posted, “Trump photobombs Chelsea’s trophy celebration Shrugs off FIFA prez gesturing for him to step off stage Harmless fun or ‘stole players’ moment’?” with a poll offering “Harmless fun” or “Stole the moment” as options, inviting mixed responses as fans debated whether Trump’s antics were a lighthearted cameo or disrespectful. View Tweet
Cole Palmer, the match’s MVP, added fuel to the Twitter fire by admitting his confusion in a post-match interview: “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, yeah.” Reece James, meanwhile, kept it diplomatic, saying Trump “congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.”
