Chelsea's players were also taken aback by the unexpected actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Chelsea, led by coach Enzo Maresca, defeated Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3-0 in the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on the 14th (Korea time).
With this, Chelsea became the first club to win the newly systematized Club World Cup, expanded to 32 participating teams. Chelsea took home a total prize of $129.5 million (approximately 178.3 billion won), including a $40 million (approximately 55.1 billion won) prize for winning the final.
Chelsea, who secured their second tournament win following 2021, ended the season with a double (two titles), including the UEFA Conference League (UECL) championship, raising expectations for the next season.
However, the unexpected situation that occurred during the victory ceremony caused confusion among Chelsea's players. This was because President Trump joined the ceremony with the players in attendance at the stadium.
President Trump's visit had already been announced. He presented medals to the players from the podium and offered encouragement. Up until that point, everything was fine. The problem was that Trump continued to remain on stage during the victory ceremony, which was meant solely for the players and coaching staff.
President Trump said FIFA President Gianni Infantino should leave for the players, but ultimately joined in the players' ceremony. Eventually, both the players and fans had to witness an unfamiliar scene.
Ace Cole Palmer, who stood out with two goals and one assist, also appeared puzzled. Palmer seemed surprised and made a face as if to ask team captain Reece James, 'Why is President Trump still on the stage?'
According to the British 'Independent,' Palmer said, 'I knew Trump would come to the stadium, but I didn’t expect him to be on stage when we lifted the trophy,' admitting, 'I was a bit taken aback.'
Meanwhile, as President Trump descended to the stage for the awards ceremony, boos erupted from the audience. Most of the spectators that day appeared to be football fans from the UK or France, the media explained.
[OSEN]