Why Donald Trump Can Hold the World Cup Trophy Even Though Fans Say He Broke an ‘Unwritten Rule’
US President Donald Trump didn’t break any “unwritten rules” when he patted the World Cup trophy early in Sunday’s final, FIFA says. Even though he’s a fan of soccer, Trump didn’t watch any US games during this summer’s tournament. However, he was part of the now-famous Folarin Balogun story.
After some rumors, the White House confirmed this week that Trump would attend the big event in New Jersey. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “We’re excited for the final match on Sunday, and the president is looking forward to being there. It’s a perfect ending to a tournament that showed America can host the world on a huge stage.”
When the 80-year-old arrived at MetLife Stadium, fans, media, and stadium staff had to go through longer security lines. Later, Trump was seen sitting next to FIFA president and close friend Gianni Infantino, watching the game together.
In the ninth minute, former Brazil star Ronaldo Nazario, who took part in the halftime show with Madonna (yes, really!), gave Trump the original World Cup trophy. Trump tapped the trophy three times and smiled at Ronaldo. Many fans quickly took to social media, saying Trump broke a rule by touching the trophy.
One comment said, “Trump touched the World Cup trophy even though only winners are allowed to,” and another asked, “Did Trump just touch the trophy? That’s not allowed!”
But FIFA guidelines don’t say that only past winners can touch the trophy. FIFA calls it a rare honor, usually given to “heads of state, FIFA officials, and former World Cup winners.”
There have actually been a couple of famous exceptions. In 2014, singer Rihanna was at the World Cup in Brazil and somehow ended up at the winner’s after-party. She was photographed holding the trophy while soccer stars kissed her on the cheek.
Another example is chef Salt Bae, who was pictured with the World Cup trophy in 2022 and faced a lot of criticism. People think he got special access because of his connection to Infantino, who called him a “legend” and “number one” in a video filmed at his Dubai restaurant.