The Trophy That Stayed: Did Donald Trump Really Keep The FIFA World Cup Trophy?

The story of a former US President allegedly keeping a major international football trophy is one of the most bizarre and persistent claims in recent sports and political history. As of December 18, 2025, the narrative that Donald Trump permanently retained the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after a White House meeting continues to circulate, fueled by an ambiguous exchange with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This deep dive unpacks the viral claim, separating the ceremonial joke from the facts surrounding the trophy's presence in the Oval Office and a separate, little-known award Trump received from football's governing body.

The controversy centers on a prized piece of silverware and a single, off-the-cuff remark. While the official FIFA World Cup trophy is heavily guarded and rarely leaves FIFA's custody, the trophy in question was the newly redesigned FIFA Club World Cup trophy, presented during a high-profile announcement about the future of football in the United States. The details reveal a surprising level of cooperation between the former President and the world’s most powerful football organization.

The Key Players: Biography and Context

The "trophy incident" involves two central figures whose partnership in promoting the 2026 World Cup and other FIFA initiatives brought the story to light.

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• Donald J. Trump: The 45th President of the United States, a real estate mogul and television personality. Born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York. His presidency was marked by a focus on "America First" policies and a unique relationship with international organizations. His involvement with FIFA centered on the successful joint bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
• Gianni Infantino: The President of FIFA, the global governing body of football. Born March 23, 1970, in Brig, Switzerland. Infantino was elected FIFA President in 2016 and has overseen a period of major expansion for FIFA tournaments, notably the expansion of the World Cup and the creation of a new, larger FIFA Club World Cup. His relationship with Trump has been noted for its warmth and political expediency in the context of the North American World Cup bid.

The Infamous Oval Office Encounter and the Trophy Claim

The origin of the "Trump kept the FIFA trophy" story stems from a meeting in the Oval Office where President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were present to discuss the upcoming 2026 World Cup. During the visit, a trophy was unveiled, specifically the new, redesigned Club World Cup trophy, which was being promoted ahead of its expanded 32-team format debut.

The ceremonial unveiling was part of a press event to announce that the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would take place in Washington D.C.. The trophy, a golden behemoth representing the pinnacle of club football, was a striking visual in the presidential office.

The viral claim was later recounted by Donald Trump himself. He stated that after the trophy was placed on display in the Oval Office, he asked Infantino, "When are you going to pick up the trophy?" According to Trump's account, Infantino responded, "We're never gonna pick it up," effectively gifting the trophy to him.

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While this account was widely reported, it is crucial to understand the context of FIFA trophies. The actual, permanent FIFA Club World Cup trophy is a perpetual award, passed from winner to winner, and always remains under FIFA's strict control. It is highly probable that the trophy presented to Trump was a ceremonial replica or a special presentation piece intended for display, rather than the "original" trophy that is lifted by the winning team. The exchange was likely a lighthearted, yet politically charged, joke between the two leaders, with Infantino allowing Trump to keep the memento as a sign of goodwill and a nod to his support for the 2026 World Cup bid.

The Unveiling of the FIFA Peace Prize

Adding another layer to the complex relationship between Donald Trump and FIFA is the surprising revelation of a brand-new award. In a separate, but related, event surrounding the 2026 World Cup draw announcement, Donald Trump was named the inaugural winner of the "FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World".

This award, created by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was established to honor individuals who, through their unwavering commitment and special actions, have helped to unite people across the globe through football. The announcement garnered significant media attention, as Trump had long expressed a desire for a Nobel Peace Prize.

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The presentation of the FIFA Peace Prize further cemented the close ties between the Trump administration and FIFA, particularly as the United States prepared to co-host the largest sporting event in the world. The award itself, a tangible symbol of this alliance, is a separate piece of silverware from the Club World Cup trophy, though both contributed to the narrative of Trump acquiring unique FIFA memorabilia.

Topical Authority: The Significance of FIFA Memorabilia

The story of the "kept trophy" is more than just a political anecdote; it touches on the high value and strict protocols surrounding major sports memorabilia. FIFA trophies, especially the World Cup and Club World Cup, are not just objects; they are global symbols.

• The Real FIFA World Cup Trophy: The iconic gold trophy, awarded every four years, is not given to the winning nation permanently. They receive a gold-plated replica. The original is kept in a secure location and only brought out for the final match and official ceremonies.
• The Club World Cup Trophy (The Subject of the Joke): While the winning club keeps a replica, the trophy presented to Trump was likely a high-quality presentation model. The joke about keeping it plays into the perception of a powerful figure casually acquiring a priceless artifact.
• The Presidential Records Act (PRA): Any gift of significant value received by a US President from a foreign entity is typically considered property of the U.S. government and must be recorded and turned over to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). If the trophy was a gift of value, it would fall under the PRA, making the claim of permanent, personal retention legally complex. However, given it was likely a ceremonial piece, its exact status might be ambiguous.

Ultimately, the story of Donald Trump and the "kept" FIFA trophy appears to be a mix of political theater, a clever joke by two powerful figures, and a genuine ceremonial gift (the Peace Prize). While the image of a former President having a major football trophy permanently displayed in his collection is compelling, the evidence suggests the actual item was a presentation trophy, a memento of a successful partnership that secured the future of the World Cup in North America.

The enduring nature of the claim, however, highlights the fascination with the intersection of global sports, high-stakes politics, and the unique personality of the former President.

Relevant Entities/LSI Keywords: Donald Trump, Gianni Infantino, FIFA Club World Cup, Oval Office, FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA Peace Prize, Presidential Records Act (PRA), National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Sports Memorabilia, Chelsea FC, World Cup Draw, Football Unites the World, Nobel Peace Prize, United States Soccer Federation.