Donald Trump 'snubbed' by World Cup player after being given permission to break FIFA rule

The US President suffered a humbling blow during the FIFA World Cup trophy ceremony last night, despite being given permission by organisers to break some major sporting protocols.

Donald Trump's involvement in the football tournament has proven a source of contention since America was first announced as a co-host for the festivities, along with Canada and Mexico.

Critics pointed to the Republican administration's hardline immigration policies after several players, officials and referees faced visa issues and were denied entry to the country, while others questioned the close relationship between the White House and FIFA.

More specifically, Trump sparked global accusations of political interference by taking credit for organisers overturning a red card suspension that would have ruled an American player out of a knockout match.

Despite this, the 80-year-old was controversially handed the responsibility of giving World Cup winners, Spain, their trophy after they edged out Argentina 1-0 in a seriously nail-biting final.

TalkSPORT previously reported that FIFA has 'no objection to Trump breaking presentation protocol and handing the World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain', likely given his pally relationship with the association's president, Gianni Infantino.

Following last night's match, Trump and Infantino stood on the pitch, alternatively handing Argentina their runners-up medals.

One player's reaction to the right-wing leader, however, gave the impression he wasn't best pleased by Trump's involvement.

Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero was seen turning his back on Trump after receiving his medal as the President went to reach out a palm.

El Cuti Romero le rechazo el saludo a Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/WV5kekfWbG

— Martín Dandach (@MartinDandach) July 19, 2026

Moments later, after Spain had received their victory medals, the team waited in the centre of the stage for Trump and Infantino to jointly hand over the solid-gold trophy.

After thanking the pair, however, Spain's captain Rodri was seen ushering Trump and Infantino off the stage to allow them to celebrate their win in peace in yet another brutal snubbing.

It came after the father-of-five came under fire for unexpectedly gatecrashing Chelsea FC’s trophy-lift celebration, and clinging onto captain Reece James' prize, at the Club World Cup last year.

Though Infantino seemed to take the hint this time around, Trump was left standing awkwardly alongside the group for several seconds, seemingly still wanting a piece of the action.

Eventually, Infantino was forced to intervene, pulling the American President off to the sidelines.

Both moments have since gone viral online, with many football fans amused by the double-humbling.

"Trump hands the World Cup trophy to Spain, then refuses to get off stage, despite Gianni Infantino trying to direct him off of it," one X user noted. "This might be the most embarrassing thing I have ever seen."

Another hit out: "Trump insisting on being in the Spain World Cup trophy photo after they beat everyone else. The man really can’t stand not being the centre of attention. The narcissism never stops. Utterly embarrassing."

A third wrote: "God, it was so cringe watching the FIFA President try and escort Trump off the stage, and he wouldn't leave. God, Trump is gross."

Of the Romero incident, another joked: "Cristian Romero airing Trump. Fair play."

A fifth teased: "Only guy out there to snub Trump. Cristian Romero, you are sainted!!"