Sehen Sie, was FIFA und die Spanier ihm nach der Weltmeisterschaft angetan haben.

Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, was present at the World Cup final, though his participation was limited to a brief appearance. He arrived in a Marine One helicopter valued at over $200 million, marking one of the few times he made public appearances during the tournament. Trump sat behind a glass partition in a special booth alongside his wife Melania and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. During the match, Brazilian legend Ronaldo, known as “Il Fenomeno,” approached Trump with the trophy, capturing footage of Trump touching the cup meant for the winners. A smile briefly appeared on Trump’s face before he descended onto the winner's podium to receive the trophy from Spain, who had won the championship. The moment, however, took an unexpected turn. As Spain lifted the trophy, Infantino seemed to signal Trump to step away from the scene, yet Trump chose to remain standing beside the new champions for a short time, ensuring that the iconic World Cup banner remained visible in the frame. This decision underscored Trump’s desire to maintain visibility despite the awkwardness of the situation. Following the match, the Spanish Football Federation and FIFA opted for a strategic move that would likely sting Trump personally. Through official channels, they released a photograph of the winning team, without Trump. The image was taken after Trump had left the area, and it depicted only his right hand. This deliberate omission was seen as a subtle yet pointed rebuke of Trump’s presence at the event. FIFA, which has historically shown varying degrees of favor towards Trump, chose this moment to highlight the triumph of the Spanish team without including the American leader. The decision reflects a broader shift in how international sporting bodies handle high-profile political figures, particularly in light of their controversial behavior and statements. The Spanish Football Federation, known for its strong national identity and pride, played a key role in shaping the narrative around the victory. Their choice to exclude Trump from the official photographs was consistent with their stance against political interference in sports. Meanwhile, FIFA, under the leadership of Infantino, maintained a neutral position while subtly distancing itself from Trump’s presence. This incident highlights the growing tension between politics and sport, especially when high-profile politicians attempt to influence or participate in major sporting events. While Trump sought to make an impression, the actions of the Spanish federation and FIFA suggest that such efforts may not always align with the expectations of global sporting institutions. As the world celebrated Spain’s victory, the absence of Trump from the official images served as a quiet but clear message. It underscores the increasing reluctance of international organizations to accommodate the personal ambitions of political leaders, even those with considerable influence. The focus remained firmly on the athletes and the spirit of competition, leaving Trump’s presence as a footnote rather than a central feature.