Chelsea captain Reece James reveals what happened when Donald Trump 'gatecrashed' Club World Cup celebration

Reece James has revealed exactly what went down when Donald Trump decided to 'gatecrash' Chelsea's Club World Cup victory.

Last night (13 July) saw the Premier League team clinch victory over Paris Saint-Germain in a final which can only be described as a dystopian crossover of football and American showmanship.

Apparently, you can't have a major sports game in the USA without providing some form of half-time entertainment.

The Americanisation of England's historic sport didn't end there either, as President Donald Trump made an appearance to present both teams with medals.

Trump appeared unbothered by the boos ringing out from the crowd as he stepped onto the stage in New Jersey. In fact, it would appear the 79-year-old rather enjoyed the attention, as he decided to join in with the Chelsea celebrations.

Anyone who didn't stay up to watch the game will have woken up to see the US president awkwardly standing in front of Cole Palmer while performing his best attempt at a 'John Terry Champions League 2012' recreation.

Why was Donald Trump on stage while Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup trophy?

Now, I'm no expert in presenting awards to sports teams, but usually an official chosen to dole out medals and present the trophy is expected to clear off after doing just that.

But not in the world of Donald J Trump. Oh no.

In numerous clips circulating around social media, Chelsea captain James and goalkeeper Robert Sánchez can be seen hesitating as the president refuses to leave the stage, seemingly ignoring FIFA president Gianni Infantino's attempts to usher him away.

The moment Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup trophy alongside Donald Trump…🤣 pic.twitter.com/xnZLbAEGUJ

— george (@StokeyyG2) July 13, 2025

It turns out the Chelsea team were just as confused as the rest of us by the situation, with James explaining that he wasn't expecting the president to linger on stage for so long.

"Before they told me that he was going to present the trophy and exit the stage," James told reporters afterwards.

"I thought he was going to exit the stage but he wanted to stay."

James isn't the only Chelsea star to share his thoughts on the moment either, with Cole Palmer saying he was 'confused' by the moment.

"No, I knew he was going to be there, but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lift the trophy," the 23-year-old told reporters.

"So, I was a bit confused."

This isn't the first time that Trump has gone viral for his head-scratching antics during the tournament either.

Last month, the US leader addressed questions about intervening in Israel and Iran's conflict during the middle of a meet and greet with members of the Juventus squad - a moment which provided us with arguably the strangest photo of the year.