A recent White House photo triggered a wave of questions after viewers spotted a FIFA Club World Cup trophy positioned behind President Donald Trump. The image puzzled many, as Chelsea had just won the tournament in New Jersey this July and were already shown celebrating with their prize. So, how did another trophy turn up inside the Oval Office?
The snapshot released by the White House clearly showed the iconic trophy beside the president’s desk. Football fans quickly pointed out the oddity since Chelsea had lifted the silverware only weeks earlier at MetLife Stadium. The timing made it unclear why the same piece of silver appeared at the heart of American politics.
Trump addressed the curiosity in an interview with DAZN. He claimed FIFA had told him the trophy could stay forever in the Oval Office and that a new version would be produced. His words suggested he possessed the original, a remark that spread quickly. But existing evidence raised doubts since Chelsea had already displayed a cup after their win and FIFA’s long standing protocol does not allow the originals to leave its headquarters.
FIFA soon clarified the situation to reporters. In reality three separate Club World Cup trophies exist. The true original remains secured at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich as is the case with all of its most valuable silverware. Chelsea as winners received their own replica cup to retain permanently for the club’s history.
A third copy was commissioned for the Oval Office as a symbolic gesture. According to FIFA the replica placed behind Trump’s desk honors the United States as hosts of the newly expanded 2025 Club World Cup. This explanation fits FIFA’s established system, the original stays in Zurich, champions keep a replica, and host nations may be recognized with a separate commemorative piece.
The seeds of the story trace back to the July final itself. Trump was present on the pitch at MetLife Stadium where he helped present the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to guide Trump aside during the celebrations but the then president stayed at center stage as the players lifted the cup. The optics quickly became a talking point across social media and sports coverage.
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Adding to the intrigue a clip circulated of Trump appearing to tuck a winners medal into his pocket with Infantino seemingly allowing him to keep it. Chelsea players meanwhile soon traveled with their own trophy replica posting images of it in transit. By the time the Oval Office photo emerged weeks later the sight of yet another identical trophy reignited suspicions until FIFA clarified what had occurred.
The Club World Cup trophy displayed in the Oval Office is not the original, nor Chelsea’s champions cup. It is a replica presented to the White House in recognition of the United States hosting the tournament in 2025. The original remains safeguarded in Zurich while Chelsea’s version belongs to the team.
Trump’s claim that the most prized original cup would stay forever with him does not match FIFA’s longstanding policies or the governing body’s official statement.
