While former President Donald Trump is not the first former U.S. He alluded to a bigger, possible change in name for European football – what many Americans refer to as “soccer.” He had clearly timed his comments to coincide with the FIFA Club World Cup final taking place. There, he witnessed Chelsea FC take home the title.
Trump wasn’t the only one celebrating that day. He attended the match and cheered on the Chelsea players as they raised the precious trophy. He had the privilege of winning a Gold Medal from Cole Palmer, jersey number 10 of Chelsea FC. The event firmly put the excitement of international football on display. Even more importantly, it showed Trump’s aim to standardize the language used in the sport across the board.
In a statement that resonated with many, Trump declared, “They call it ‘football,’ but I guess we call it ‘soccer,’ but that change could be made very easily. It’s great to watch.” This comment sparked passionate debates between fans and sports commentators. If so, it may be an early sign of a much-needed rebranding of the sport in the U.S.
During the trophy presentation, Trump proudly carried the FIFA Club World Cup trophy on stage. He then passed it on to the Chelsea squad. His participation in this high-profile platform underscored his commitment to the international sports community and their shared interests in promoting global unity through athletic competition.
The game is about unity, it is about everyone getting together,” Trump commented, further highlighting his belief in the sport’s ability to bridge cultural divides. He added, “It is about a lot of love between different international countries,” showcasing his view of football as a platform for international camaraderie.
England defender Reece James described the encounter with Trump after the game. He noted, “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.”
Even as the conversation about sports metaphors turns, Trump’s claim that he could lead a different kind of charge has made headlines. “I think we can do that, I think I could do that,” he stated, suggesting that such a transition might not be far-fetched.