Chelsea youngster Tyrique George appeared to bypass a handshake from United States President Donald Trump following the Blues' 3-0 Club World Cup triumph over Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 19-year-old, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season, opted to receive congratulations from Blues co-owner Todd Boehly instead of waiting for Trump, who was occupied with distributing medals to the victorious squad.
Trump noticed the apparent snub, glancing in the youngster's direction before continuing his medal presentation duties assigned by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The incident occurred during the trophy ceremony, where Trump had been tasked with handing out medals to Chelsea's players after their commanding victory.
Chelsea youngster Tyrique George appeared to bypass a handshake from United States President Donald Trump following the Blues' 3-0 Club World Cup triumph over Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
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Trump's decision to remain amongst the Chelsea players during the trophy presentation left several squad members visibly perplexed.
Rather than stepping aside after handing the trophy to captain Reece James, as is traditional, the US President stayed on stage throughout the entire celebration.
England international Cole Palmer appeared particularly bewildered by Trump's presence, with reports suggesting he uttered the words: "What's he doing?"
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👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 to Tyrique George, Kang-in Lee and one of the referees for avoiding Trump's handshake during the #FIFACWC Trophy Ceremony. 👍 pic.twitter.com/U97tBsNv7N
— Jose Ramon Marquez (@joseramonmarmtz) July 14, 2025
The 23-year-old midfielder had already looked equally confused during an earlier interaction when Trump presented him with the golden ball award.
Trump's unconventional approach to the ceremony meant he positioned himself at the centre of Chelsea's celebrations, standing amongst the players as they lifted the Club World Cup trophy.
The president faced a mixed reception from the crowd at MetLife Stadium, with reports of booing when he appeared on screen during the national anthem before the match.
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The stadium later resonated with more boos when Trump, accompanied by Infantino, walked onto the pitch to present the championship trophy.
Trump had been given VIP treatment throughout the event, watching the action alongside First Lady Melania and the FIFA president from a prime viewing position.
His involvement in the trophy presentation added complexity to the security arrangements required for the American Commander-in-Chief's attendance at the high-profile sporting event.
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Trump and First Lady Melania arrived approximately 35 minutes before kick-off via the presidential Marine One helicopter from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, landing at nearby Teterboro Airport.
The First Lady wore a white dress with a black blazer for the occasion, which coincided with the first anniversary of the assassination attempt Trump survived in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Chelsea won the Club World Cup on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain
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Extensive security measures were implemented for the president's attendance, with secret service officials coordinating with organisers to establish a secure travel route to the venue.
Reports suggested Trump would be positioned behind bulletproof glass during the match, whilst security expert Nigel Thomas, a former SAS soldier and founder of Blue Mountain Group, told The Athletic that comprehensive threat assessments covered various scenarios, including potential stage collapse.