A professional lip reader has disclosed what Donald Trump said to several perplexed Chelsea players after the former U.S. President joined them for their Club World Cup trophy celebrations on Sunday evening.
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Trump had observed the match from the stands as Chelsea pulled off a shock 3–0 victory over PSG, with Cole Palmer netting twice and Joao Pedro adding to the scoreline. ..Continue Reading
Enjoying top-tier hospitality during the game beside First Lady Melania and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, Trump made his way to the forefront during the post-match ceremony.
Despite receiving some jeers from the crowd, Trump handed over the Golden Glove award to Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
DAZN’s broadcast captured an unexpected moment during the presentation when Infantino introduced Trump to Palmer, who was collecting his Best Player of the Tournament award.
Lip-reading analyst Jeremy Freeman said Trump shared complimentary words with Palmer, clearly impressed by the forward’s standout display.
‘Chelsea’s biggest fan. I’m a big fan of you. So well done you,’ Trump said, according to Freeman.
Palmer, who has been known to offer few words in post-match interviews, reportedly replied ‘Thank you’ before rejoining his team-mates.
Fans were especially captivated by the 23-year-old’s response to Trump choosing to stay on stage throughout Chelsea’s trophy ceremony.
Trump, in his role as presenter, handed the silverware to Chelsea skipper Reece James but was expected to leave the spotlight immediately afterward — as tradition dictates.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was spotted trying to guide Trump away from the players, but the former president lingered, positioned between James and Sanchez.
Trump’s refusal to leave the stage left Chelsea players surprised with Palmer appearing to say, ‘What’s he doing?’.
Speaking post-match, Palmer admitted ‘I knew he was going to be here but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy so I was a bit confused, yeah.’
Further light has been shed on Trump’s presence in the trophy presentation, with his interactions with Chelsea captain James and Sanchez having been revealed.
While Palmer appeared confused in the background, Freeman revealed James asked for Trump’s permission to lift the trophy.
As Palmer said ‘No, no, just wait, wait…wait…wait’, James was seen turning to the US President to seek his approval.
James reportedly said ‘I can lift?’, with Trump responding ‘Oh we can, good!’
According to Freeman, Sanchez was open to Trump remaining on the stage and being part of the celebrations.
‘Please, sir,’ the goalkeeper said to Trump, according to Freeman, before asking him ‘Want us to lift the trophy next to you?’
After receiving Trump’s nod of approval, Sanchez gestured toward Reece James to hoist the trophy and begin the festivities.
Trump stood smiling at the front of the Chelsea lineup as James proudly raised the silverware overhead.
Many fans were puzzled by Trump’s involvement in the ceremony, with Chelsea faithful likening his presence to that of former captain John Terry.
Terry memorably donned full match gear to celebrate Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League win against Bayern Munich — even though he was suspended and hadn’t played.
One fan on X couldn’t resist making a comparison with Terry as they wrote: ‘Trump gone all John Terry’.
Meanwhile, another fan wrote: ‘Trump ruined the Chelsea celebration photo’.
Furthermore, another added: ‘Donald trump just stood there waiting for the celebration’.
Another stated: ‘Trump standing clueless in the middle of Chelsea’s celebration photos lifting the trophy is brilliant lmao’.
Another supporter remarked: ‘Chelsea laughing their heads off at Trump joining them for celebration. Good stuff.’
