Lamine Yamal makes a fool of Donald Trump during awkward moment at trophy presentation

Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old Spanish footballer, found himself at the center of an awkward moment during the World Cup trophy presentation ceremony on July 20, 2026, after appearing reluctant to shake hands with U.S. President Donald Trump. The incident occurred at the New York/New Jersey Stadium following Spain’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina in extra time. Yamal, who had played a pivotal role in the final, was met with a tense atmosphere as he approached the stage where Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were waiting. The young Barcelona winger initially greeted Infantino with a handshake and a warm embrace. However, when Trump reached out to greet him, Yamal hesitated, retracting his hand slightly before ultimately offering a brief handshake and a subtle nod. The moment was captured by cameras and broadcast live, drawing immediate reactions from the crowd. Both Trump and Infantino faced boos from the audience, a pattern that has followed them throughout the tournament. Yamal’s demeanor toward Trump stood in sharp contrast to his interaction with King Felipe VI of Spain, who was present at the ceremony. As Yamal received his winner’s medal, his expression shifted from blank to a broad smile upon greeting the monarch. This difference in reaction underscored the tension surrounding Trump’s presence at the event. The booing of Trump and Infantino was not isolated to the trophy presentation. Throughout the World Cup, their appearances had been met with similar negative responses from fans. After the final match, Trump was shown on the stadium’s big screen, prompting further criticism from the audience. Despite the high level of football on display, concerns over the tournament’s financial burden, such as inflated public transport costs and ticket prices, had already sparked widespread discontent among supporters. Yamal’s performance in the tournament had been under scrutiny, particularly after his standout performances leading Spain to the European Championship title in 2024. Entering the World Cup on the heels of an injury, Yamal contributed directly to only one goal in eight matches. However, his influence on the team’s possession-based strategy was undeniable, culminating in an assist for Ferran Torres’ decisive goal in the final. Still, his apparent discomfort with Trump raised questions about how he perceived his role in the global spotlight. The incident involving Yamal was not the only controversy surrounding Trump during the ceremony. He was criticized for lingering on stage during the trophy lift, seemingly attempting to share the limelight with Spain’s players before departing quietly with Infantino. This behavior drew additional murmurs of disapproval from the crowd. Romero, the Argentine defender, took a more explicit stance against Trump, refusing to shake his hand entirely while receiving his runner-up medal. This act of defiance highlighted the broader sentiment of disdain directed toward Trump and his association with FIFA during the tournament. As the World Cup concluded, the focus remained on the sporting achievements, yet the political tensions surrounding Trump’s involvement continued to overshadow parts of the celebrations. With Yamal’s quiet resistance to a handshake becoming a memorable moment, the intersection of sports and politics once again proved to be a contentious arena.