Trump Jokes About Executive Order to Rename Soccer 'Football,' Honors Pelé as Greatest Ever

President Donald Trump made waves at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, not just by attending the FIFA Club World Cup final where Chelsea clinched a 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, but also with his characteristic humor and nostalgic charm. Amidst a post-match scuffle and the ceremonial handing out of awards, Trump took a moment to chat about the beautiful game—and dropped a playful bombshell.

In a lighthearted exchange, Trump mused about signing an executive order to rename soccer as 'football' in the U.S., a nod to the global terminology that might just stir up some friendly debate among American sports fans. "I think we can do that," he quipped, with a grin that suggested he knows exactly how to kick up a storm.

Trump also shared his admiration for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, praising his efforts in bringing the Club World Cup to the U.S. ahead of next year’s World Cup in North America. He called the event a "big thing" and marveled at the unexpected dominance of Chelsea in the match.

When asked about the greatest soccer player of all time, Trump took a nostalgic turn, harking back to the days of the New York Cosmos and the legendary Pelé. Recalling packed stadiums in the Meadowlands, he said, "I was a young guy and I came to watch Pelé, and he was fantastic." Comparing Pelé to baseball’s Babe Ruth, Trump cemented his pick for the all-time great, a choice rooted in history and personal memory.

Pelé, the Brazilian icon, is widely regarded as soccer royalty, with an astonishing 569 goals in 583 appearances for Santos and a memorable stint with the Cosmos from 1975 to 1977. Trump’s tribute reminds us how sports can bridge generations—and how a single player can define an era.