The article reflects on the controversial 2025 Club World Cup, where the football itself had moments of intrigue, but the tournament's legacy is overshadowed by its questionable expansion and Donald Trump's unexpected appearance at Chelsea's trophy celebration. The piece suggests the event will be remembered more for its political optics and missteps than for the sport.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about football—it’s about how big sporting events are increasingly tangled with politics and spectacle. Trump’s cameo at the trophy lift symbolizes how the tournament lost its way, prioritizing headlines over the game. For fans, it raises a bigger question: When does expansion and glamour start hurting the sport we love?

In an unexpected and somewhat awkward moment, former US President Donald Trump took center stage during Chelsea's Club World Cup trophy celebration. After Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the final, Trump—not FIFA president Gianni Infantino—handed the trophy to captain Reece James. Infantino stepped aside for the cameras, leaving Trump in the spotlight as the team celebrated.

Editor’s Note: It’s rare for a political figure to overshadow a major sports moment, but Trump’s presence—and Infantino’s apparent willingness to step back—made this trophy lift about more than just football. Whether it was a planned PR move or just an odd coincidence, it’s a reminder of how politics and sports keep colliding in unpredictable ways.