In a moment that stunned both the footballing world and global politics, U.S. President Donald Trump made an unexpected appearance at Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph over PSG, and brought headlines of his own.
While the Blues thrashed the French giants 3-0, all eyes turned to Trump as he dramatically gatecrashed the trophy lift, handed out medals with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, and offered a hot take that’s sparking fierce debate across fanbases.
During a live halftime interview with DAZN, Trump was asked who he considers the greatest footballer of all time.
📰 Also Read This:
Without hesitation, he bypassed modern legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have dominated the “GOAT” debate for over a decade, and instead gave his vote to a footballing icon from a bygone era: Pele.
“I’d say, probably I’ll go old-fashioned,” Trump said. “That’s like saying Babe Ruth, but I would say Pele was so great.”
Trump then took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recounting his first-hand experience watching Pele play for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s.
He mentioned the influence of his friend, Steve Ross, then-CEO of Warner Communications, in bringing Pele to America. The stadium, Trump claimed, was jam-packed, and young Donald was in awe of the Brazilian superstar’s brilliance.
“Many years ago, when I was young, they brought a player named Pele to play for the Cosmos,” Trump recalled. “This place was packed. It was an earlier version of MetLife Stadium, right here in the Meadowlands. I came to watch Pele, and he was fantastic.”
His comments have reignited the eternal GOAT debate. While Trump backed Pele, the modern era continues to be shaped by Messi and Ronaldo’s extraordinary exploits.
Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 938 goals for club and country, eclipsing Pele’s widely accepted competitive tally of 757. Lionel Messi, fresh off a 2022 World Cup triumph, sits at 872 and is widely regarded by many analysts and fans as the most complete player the game has ever seen.
Still, Pele’s legendary status is undeniable. With 1,279 total goals (including friendlies), three World Cup titles, and a trailblazing legacy that brought football to a global stage, he remains a timeless figure in the sport.
While Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro lit up the pitch for Chelsea, Palmer bagging a brace and assisting Pedro’s goal, Trump’s appearance and tribute to Pele ended up dominating post-match headlines. Even Palmer himself seemed baffled, admitting, “I’m not sure why he was there,” in a candid post-match interview.
As the GOAT debate rages on, one thing is clear: Donald Trump has firmly planted his flag in the old-school camp, and he’s not backing down.
