A recent White House photo of US President Donald Trump meeting world leaders has sparked widespread curiosity — not about politics, but about football. In the background of the Oval Office, eagle-eyed fans spotted an unexpected trophy: the FIFA Club World Cup, which Chelsea won after defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in July 2025 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The sight of Chelsea’s silverware sitting in the world’s most powerful office quickly went viral, raising questions about how the trophy ended up there.
Trump’s Claim About the Trophy
Following Chelsea’s victory in July, President Trump explained in an interview with DAZN that tournament organizers told him the trophy could stay in the Oval Office as a symbolic gesture to the United States for hosting the competition.
“I said, ‘When are you going to pick up the trophy?’ [They said] ‘We’re never going to pick it up. You can have it forever in the Oval Office, we’re making a new one,’” Trump claimed.
According to the President, a replacement trophy was made, allowing him to keep the one on display in Washington DC.
FIFA’s Clarification
However, FIFA quickly clarified that this is not entirely accurate. In fact, there are three official Club World Cup trophies in existence:
- The original — permanently housed at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, as is tradition with all FIFA trophies, including the World Cup.
- Chelsea’s replica — presented to the club as tournament winners, which the players paraded during a pre-season friendly against AC Milan.
- A third version — used for ceremonial purposes and media appearances.
This means that the trophy in the Oval Office is likely one of the replicas, not the original piece of silverware.
Social Media Reactions
Fans on social media reacted with a mix of amusement and disbelief. Many questioned why “Chelsea’s trophy” was sitting in the Oval Office rather than in Stamford Bridge’s trophy cabinet.
Others joked that the White House had become an “extension of Chelsea’s trophy room”, while some argued it symbolized football’s growing influence in the United States.
What It Means for Football in the US
While the incident may have caused some confusion, it highlights the rising importance of football in America, especially with the United States hosting major tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
By keeping the trophy in the Oval Office, Trump indirectly placed football — traditionally a less dominant sport in the US — at the center of international attention.
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