Donald Trump delivered the same six-word message to several players during the World Cup final presentation, according to a lip reader who examined footage from the ceremony.
Trump joined FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the podium after Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in extra time to win their second World Cup title.
The two men helped present medals to the Spanish champions and Argentina’s players before handing the trophy to Spain captain Rodri.
The same six words for the players
According to UNILAD journalist Kiesha Dosanjh, Nicola Hickling of LipReader Ltd studied footage of Trump greeting the players.
Read also: Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 as football mourns ‘King Kev’
Hickling said the US president repeatedly told them: “You are a champ.”
He then added: “Amazing player.”
The two remarks total six words and appear to have been used as a standard greeting rather than a personalised message for each player.
The wording differs from the claim that Trump said: “Great job, you guys, way to go.” That phrase does not appear in the cited UNILAD report and has therefore been removed.
Read also: Superstition kept Milei home as Trump took World Cup final spotlight
Romero appeared to avoid a handshake
Most of the players exchanged a few words with Trump before moving along the presentation line.
Argentina defender Cristian Romero, however, appeared to walk past the president without accepting his attempted handshake after receiving his medal from Infantino.
It remains unclear whether Romero deliberately ignored Trump or simply failed to notice the gesture during the crowded ceremony.
Trump remained during Spain’s celebration
Trump attracted greater attention moments later when Spain received the trophy.
Read also: Vingegaard’s Tour exit blows podium race wide open
After helping Infantino present it to Rodri, the president remained close to the players as the celebrations began. Infantino stepped away, but Trump initially stayed on the podium, smiling and giving a thumbs-up as Spain prepared to lift the trophy.
He was eventually guided away by the FIFA president, allowing the players to continue their celebrations without him in the centre of the stage.
The moment revived comparisons with the 2025 Club World Cup final, when Trump also remained beside Chelsea’s players during their trophy lift.
Lip-reading remains an interpretation
The reported message should be treated as an expert interpretation rather than a confirmed transcript. There was no clear audio recording of Trump’s exchanges with the players, meaning the precise wording cannot be independently verified.
Read also: Kane stays top as Spain’s World Cup stars reshape Ballon d’Or race
One factual point is clear, however: Trump was not a former president at the ceremony. He attended the final as the serving president of the United States.
Read also: Italy reportedly meets with Pep Guardiola amid national team speculation
