Donald Trump Names His Goat In Football After Watching FIFA Club World Cup
Thompson Nsisongabasi
Jul 14, 2025
The President of the United States, Donald Trump stirred the ever-burning football GOAT debate on Sunday night as he declared Pel├®, not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, as the greatest footballer of all time.
Trump, who attended the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, made the comments during a halftime interview with DAZN Football.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Supreme Court Affirms Tinubu As Winner Of 2023 Presidential Election
At the time, Chelsea had stormed into a commanding 3-0 lead thanks to a brace from Cole Palmer and a strike from João Pedro.
As he reflected on the first 45 minutes of the encounter, Trump recalled his youthful days and a moment in U.S. football history that clearly left a mark on him.
READ ALSO: Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
"Many years ago, when I was young, they brought a player named Pel├® to play, and he played for a team called the Cosmos,ÔÇØ Trump said, referencing Pel├®'s stint with the New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977.
READ ALSO: Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
"He was the inspiration we had, and this place was packed. It was an earlier version of this stadium, but right here in the Meadowlands, and it was Pel├®.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: 'Barking Dog Made You Governor' - Wike Fires Back at Fubara, Signals Political War in Rivers
Drawing a comparison to American sports legends, Trump added: "I'd say, probably go old-fashioned. That's like saying Babe Ruth, but I would say Pel├® was so great.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
His remarks instantly sidelined the usual contenders, Messi and Ronaldo, in a debate that has long divided fans, pundits, and players around the world.
READ ALSO: How Corp Member Was K!lled While Jogging In Kaduna |READ DETAILS
Beyond football legends, Trump also seemed genuinely taken by the atmosphere and quality of play in the Club World Cup final, calling it "a tremendous sport.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: How A Ghanaian Pastor Shots Wife To Death In The US
"I'm having a really great time,ÔÇØ he told DAZN during the halftime break. "This is a tremendous sport.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: UNBELlEVABLE! Chidinma makes U-turn, says I didn't kill Super TV CEO
Chelsea went on to win the match 3-0, sealing a dominant performance and clinching the title.
Related Stories
David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world, says Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz after Sporting heroics
Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
Who has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Who do England and Scotland play? Could Lionel Messi face Cristiano Ronaldo?
Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
""
— Thompson Nsisongabasi