Call Palmer (23, Chelsea) could not hide his surprise at seeing U.S. President Donald Trump, who did not leave the podium.
The U.S. Associated Press reported on the 14th (Korean time) that "Palmer was surprised to share the podium spotlight with Trump at the Club World Cup. He was jumping in the back while captain Reece James received the championship trophy, and U.S. President Trump was standing between Palmer and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez."
Chelsea achieved a 3-0 victory against PSG in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, U.S. On this occasion, Chelsea claimed their second title after winning the UEFA Conference League (UECL) in the 2024-2025 season.
The Club World Cup has been held annually until now, but starting from this tournament, it has changed to a four-year cycle, just like the World Cup. The number of participating teams has also changed to 32. The prize money has dramatically increased to a total of $1 billion (approximately 1.3782 trillion won). Thanks to this, Chelsea managed to hit a jackpot totaling £92 million (approximately 171.1 billion won), including the championship prize.
It was somewhat of a one-sided match. Chelsea scored three goals in the first half, taking an early lead. Palmer alone contributed two goals and one assist, crushing PSG. Although PSG attempted a comeback in the second half, they ended up scoreless after Joao Neves was sent off for pulling an opponent's hair in the closing moments.
The player of the match (POTM) was undoubtedly Palmer. He scored the opening goal with a precise shot in the 22nd minute of the first half and netted another goal during a counterattack in the 30th minute. Additionally, in the 43rd minute, he quickly drove the ball upfield from behind the center line towards the box and provided a sublime pass for Joao Pedro's insurance goal.
Palmer was awarded not only the POTM of the final but also the tournament's most valuable player. He also claimed the 'Golden Ball,' awarded to the best-performing player throughout the tournament, making it a total of three trophies he held all at once.
During the post-match ceremony, President Trump drew attention. He watched the final held in his home country alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and ascended the podium to celebrate Chelsea's victory. Trump personally handed the championship trophy to Chelsea captain James.
A somewhat awkward scene unfolded afterward. Contrary to expectations, President Trump did not leave the podium and steadfastly remained in his place. Normally, presenters often hand over the trophy and leave, but Trump stayed right next to James, smiling and clapping until he lifted the trophy high. He seemed to have engaged in conversation congratulating the Chelsea players, which appeared to be insufficient.
As a result, some Chelsea players looked at President Trump with confused expressions. In particular, Palmer could not take his eyes off Trump when James held the trophy high.
Fans responding to this remarked, "Trump is still there," "Can someone tell me why Trump is in the middle?" and "James was waiting for Trump to leave, but Trump is shamelessly standing there."
British media also expressed doubts about President Trump's actions, describing it as "bizarrely" and noting him as a "scene-stealer." Chelsea News reported, "It seems that no one expected Chelsea to win so easily. However, it was even harder to predict that President Trump would lift Chelsea's trophy!"
After the ceremony, Palmer confessed, "I knew Trump would come here. However, I was a bit confused because I didn't expect him to be on the podium when he lifted the trophy."
James, who received the trophy from President Trump, also stated, "I didn’t expect him to lift the trophy with us," but it seems he knows how significant the event is. He told me and the team to just celebrate and enjoy this moment."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Chelsea, DAZN, The Athletic social media.
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