Chelsea’s Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella has opened up about a bizarre and unexpected encounter with former U.S. President Donald Trump during the Club World Cup trophy ceremony, admitting that the experience left him feeling frightened and confused.
In a candid conversation with Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Cucurella detailed how Trump’s unplanned presence on the stage during Chelsea’s celebration created an awkward atmosphere for the players. What was supposed to be a moment of pure joy for the Blues following their 3–0 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the final turned into a tense standoff—one the players will not soon forget.
Chelsea’s Club World Cup Triumph
Chelsea’s emphatic 3–0 win over PSG in the Club World Cup final was a moment of redemption and glory for the Premier League giants. The London club had dominated the match from start to finish, with goals from Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer, and Enzo Fernández sealing their dominance over the French champions.
With the team and staff ready to crown their global achievement, excitement filled the air as players lined up on the podium for the trophy presentation. Fans around the world watched as Chelsea prepared to lift the Club World Cup trophy—an honor the Blues had chased for years.
However, what followed was not in the matchday script.
The Unexpected Guest: Donald Trump
According to Cucurella, the players were informed shortly before the ceremony that former U.S. President Donald Trump would be making a special appearance to present the trophy. While surprising, the team was prepared to follow protocol and accommodate the high-profile guest.
But the situation took an unexpected turn when Trump not only arrived on stage but refused to leave.
“We had been told Trump would come to present us with the trophy and that we couldn’t lift it until he left,” Cucurella explained to Romero during the interview. “And of course, we were all there waiting for him to leave, but the guy didn’t want to leave.”
Standing alongside the players in the middle of the celebration, Trump appeared entirely unfazed by the growing tension around him. As Chelsea star Reece James raised the trophy aloft for the traditional photo moment, Trump lingered near the team, smiling and engaging, much to the players’ confusion.
A Moment of Discomfort
Cucurella, known for his honest and expressive nature, did not hide his discomfort with the situation. “We looked at him and he said, ‘Get him up, I’ll stay here,’ and so on,” the defender recalled, mimicking Trump’s insistence on remaining on stage.
At that moment, the Chelsea squad faced an unusual dilemma—how do you ask one of the most powerful and controversial figures in global politics to step aside?
“I wondered who would say anything to him, you know… I was scared s***less!” Cucurella admitted with a laugh, underscoring the unease that swept through the team.
The left-back’s words reveal that while the occasion was celebratory, Trump’s overextended presence created an awkward scene that turned a victorious celebration into a delicate standoff.
Team’s Silence and Stunned Reaction
None of the Chelsea players or staff reportedly challenged Trump directly. Most stood in stunned silence, exchanging glances and attempting to maintain their composure under the cameras’ gaze. With millions watching the ceremony unfold, there was little room for improvisation or confrontation.
Eventually, the trophy was lifted with Trump still on stage, an image that sparked both praise and criticism online. The U.S. politician appeared unfazed throughout, seemingly enjoying the spotlight alongside the victorious team.
Social Media Reaction
Following Cucurella’s interview, clips of the moment resurfaced on social media, reigniting debate among fans. Some praised the surreal nature of the scene as “peak football in 2025,” while others criticized the interruption as inappropriate and disrespectful to the players’ moment.
Political commentators also weighed in, with some calling the appearance a publicity stunt, while others dismissed the event as harmless banter. The incident added yet another unusual chapter to Donald Trump’s long and unpredictable relationship with the world of sports.
A Unique Career Moment for Cucurella
For Marc Cucurella, the moment will likely remain one of the more peculiar memories of his footballing career. The 26-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, has steadily become a valuable part of the Blues’ defensive setup.
While much of his time at Stamford Bridge has been defined by performances on the pitch, this off-pitch anecdote has quickly become a fan-favorite moment—albeit for its strange and humorous nature.
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to do,” he said with a grin. “One part of me was excited to win the trophy, and the other part of me was hoping not to say something that would start an international incident!”
Chelsea Yet to Comment
As of this writing, Chelsea Football Club has not issued an official statement regarding Cucurella’s remarks or the Club World Cup ceremony. Likewise, former President Trump’s camp has made no comment on the anecdote.
Given Trump’s history of appearances at sporting events—some welcomed, others controversial—his gatecrashing of Chelsea’s celebration adds to a long list of headline-grabbing moments involving the former U.S. leader.
Final Word
While football often brings unexpected drama on the pitch, the events surrounding Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebration proved that off-pitch moments can be just as memorable. Marc Cucurella’s honest and humorous retelling of the incident gives fans a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes reality of major football events—and just how unpredictable those moments can be when politics and sport collide.
Whether seen as amusing or awkward, the image of a bemused Chelsea squad trying to navigate the presence of Donald Trump on their victory stage is now a part of the club’s history. For Cucurella, it’s a memory he won’t soon forget—and one that will likely entertain fans for years to come.
