A Trophy’s Unexpected Journey

Eagle-eyed football fans noticed something unusual in a recent White House photograph: the Club World‍ cup trophy, won by Chelsea Football Club‌ in July,⁤ prominently displayed in President​ Donald Trump’s​ Oval Office. The image sparked immediate questions about how the trophy ended up in ⁤one of the world’s most recognizable offices.

Chelsea secured the title on July 13, 2025, defeating paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final held at MetLife ⁢Stadium in New Jersey. The victory‍ was celebrated by the team, but the subsequent ‌appearance of the‌ trophy in the White House raised eyebrows, leading to speculation about its ‌whereabouts and ownership.

Trump’s Account: A Gift for ⁢Hosting

President Trump himself addressed the⁣ situation, stating he was informed he ‌coudl keep the trophy as a ‍gesture of gratitude for the⁢ United States hosting the month-long tournament. “I said, ‘When are you going to pick up the trophy?’ [They said] ‘We’re never going to pick it up. You ⁢can have ‍it forever in the Oval Office, we’re making a new one’,”⁢ Trump recounted ⁤in an interview with DAZN. He further stated that a new trophy had,in fact,been⁣ created.

FIFA Sets the Record Straight: Three Trophies Exist

However,FIFA clarified that president ⁢Trump’s account isn’t entirely accurate. ⁢ According to the governing body of international football, there are actually‍ three Club World Cup trophies in existence. the original, engraved version remains ​at ​FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland – a standard practice ​for all FIFA trophies, ⁤including the World ‍cup itself.

Chelsea, as the reigning champions, possesses a replica trophy, which the​ team paraded during a‌ pre-season friendly against AC ‌Milan. The trophy ​currently residing ⁤in the oval office is a third version, presented specifically “in recognition‍ of ‍the 2025 tournament’s exceptional hosts,” according to a statement from FIFA to BBC⁣ Sport.