Donald Trump made his feelings about Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour very clear with a 12-word comment following an awkward exchange on Monday. The two met during the Gaza peace summit in Egypt, where world leaders gathered for a major diplomatic meeting to discuss the next steps toward achieving long-term peace in the Middle East.
Mansour, who also serves as vice and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, attended alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The summit came on the heels of a newly established ceasefire between Israel and Hamas - brokered with key involvement from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey - with the goal of turning the temporary truce into a lasting framework for peace.
However, what began as serious political discussions was soon punctuated by the US president’s knack for making things awkward. After previously drawing attention at the Club World Cup over the summer - where the 75-year-old lingered around to appear in Chelsea’s trophy lift photos - his latest encounter with Mansour only reinforced the impression that he is socially uncouth.
Donald Trump's Awkward Exchange With Sheikh Mansour
Donald Trump
Trump appeared to be sticking around after the meeting to pose with photos of each of the other world leaders. But it's his brief exchange with Mansour that has drawn the most attention. During their encounter, after sharing a handshake, the US president said (watch below):
"A lot of cash, unlimited cash... And he's a good man, too!"
Reacting to the uncomfortable exchange, one X user remarked: "Well, that was an awkward handshake." Another continued: "What an awkward encounter," as a third wrote: "Well, that wasn't awkward at all..."
Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group acquired Manchester City in 2008 in a deal that transformed not only the club but also the Premier League itself. Under his ownership, City has become a dominant force, winning eight Premier League titles and securing their first-ever Champions League trophy in 2023.
Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Champions League Final - Manchester City v Inter Milan - Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey - June 10, 2023 Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan REUTERS/Molly Darlington
But Mansour’s wealth extends far beyond football. He holds senior positions across several key Emirati institutions, including the UAE Central Bank, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and the Mubadala Investment Company. His personal net worth is estimated at more than £17 billion, while his family’s eye-watering fortune stands at around £225 billion.