Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited the age-old debate over football’s greatest player of all time (GOAT) — and his pick might surprise many.
Speaking during a halftime interview with DAZN Football at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Trump named Brazilian icon Pelé as his football GOAT, ahead of modern-day legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The match saw Chelsea dominate Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with a stunning 3-0 lead by halftime, thanks to goals from Cole Palmer and João Pedro.
Reflecting on his early football memories, Trump recounted watching Pelé play for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, describing it as an unforgettable experience.
“Many years ago, when I was young, they brought a player named Pelé to play, and he played for a team called the Cosmos,” Trump said.
“He was the inspiration we had, and this place was packed. It was an earlier version of this stadium, but right here in the Meadowlands, and it was Pelé.”
Drawing parallels to American sports legends, Trump added:
“I’d say, probably go old-fashioned. That’s like saying Babe Ruth, but I would say Pelé was so great.”
His comments quickly reignited discussions among fans worldwide, sidelining usual GOAT contenders Messi and Ronaldo.
Beyond praising Pelé, Trump also expressed admiration for the energy and quality of the Club World Cup final:
“I’m having a really great time. This is a tremendous sport.”
The match concluded with Chelsea securing a 3-0 victory, clinching the prestigious title in style.
Trump’s remarks have since sparked fresh debate across social media and sports circles, as fans revisit the question: Who truly is the greatest footballer of all time?
