Donald Trump Snubs Messi And Ronaldo, Names This Footballer As GOAT

Last Updated:July 14, 2025, 19:51 IST

Donald Trump attended the Club World Cup final and named Pele as his greatest footballer ever.

Donald Trump at the Club World Cup (AP)

US President Donald Trump attended the Club World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

During an interview with broadcaster DAZN, Trump was asked who he considers the greatest footballer of all time.

Most would name either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

But not Trump.

He said, “Many years ago, when I was young, they brought a player named Pele to play, and he played for a team called the Cosmos.

“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 Pele.

“I don’t want to date myself, but that was a long time ago. I was a young guy, and I came to watch Pele and he was fantastic. And I would I’d say, probably I’ll go old fashioned.

“That’s like saying Babe Ruth, but I would say Pele was so great."

Pele helped generate enthusiasm for the sport in the US during his brief stint with the New York Cosmos in the emerging North American Soccer League in 1975.

Who Is Pele?

Pele, whose real name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, spent most of his club career playing for Santos in Brazil. His remarkable achievements with Brazil captured the hearts of football fans globally, scoring 77 goals in 92 appearances. The football legend played a crucial role in leading Brazil to three World Cup victories in 1958, 1962, and 1970.

Pele passed away at the age of 82 in December 2022.

Why Was Trump Booed?

Trump faced boos from the crowd once again as he posed with the match referees on the pitch during the trophy ceremony, while organisers kept the music playing in the stadium.

He presented Chelsea with their trophy and stood in the middle of the players for their team photo and celebration.

“I knew he was going to be there but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy so I was a bit confused," said Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, who scored two goals during the match.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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New York, United States of America (USA)

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