Reece James went viral for his bemusement after Donald Trump stayed on stage when Chelsea celebrated their Club World Cup success - and the England star has a plan for any repeat at the World Cup
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 13: Reece James #24 of Chelsea FC holds the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after their team's victory as U.S. President Donald Trump interacts with Robert Sanchez #1 of Chelsea FC following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Donald Trump went viral at the Club World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
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Reece James says he will sidestep another embarrassing trophy presentation with Donald Trump if the moment comes next summer with England. The US President gatecrashing Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebrations has gone viral since last summer.
Chelsea captain James stood on stage as Trump made himself part of the presentation before Cole Palmer pulled a face at the carry-on. But James laughed as he insisted that if it happened again and England won the World Cup next summer then he would leave it to Harry Kane to sort out.
England defender James smiled: “No, I don’t have a plan. I’ll leave that to Harry!”
Trump was FIFA’s special guest at the Club World Cup final last summer when Chelsea overcame Paris Saint-Germain to win the trophy in the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where next year’s final will be played.
James led Chelsea to glory in July and admits that he is dreaming of repeating that success with England in the World Cup next summer.
James said: “It’s my dream, every young boy or girl’s dream to be a world champion for their country. It’s something I’ve dreamt of since I started playing, since I got selected for England. I feel we could go close.
“I don’t think it’s related that much. Club football and international football are slightly different. It’s one year apart, a completely different squad, but we’ll do our best.”
James believes leadership, team spirit and a healthy competition for places are the key ingredients and has embraced working under his former Chelsea Thomas Tuchel as England manager.
Chelsea's English defender #24 Reece James lifts the trophy with teammates next to US President Donald Trump during the award ceremony for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Champions
Reece James lifted the trophy - as Donald Trump stood among Chelsea's celebrating players
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He added: “I think I know what I bring. There are many experienced players here, there are a lot of young players. I think the stronger we are as a group, the easier it is. The key to achieving what we want and getting success is having the group’s togetherness – it’s not one person’s leadership.
“Competition is key to going close to winning things. In competitions you can’t have a small squad. They need to keep players on their toes with everyone hungry and fire in their belly to want to win.”
Trump's bizarre interruption in the summer couldn't detract from Chelsea's achievement, which was of huge personal significance to James. "It's amazing for me. Since a little boy I supported this team," he said at the time.
"I just wanted to play for this club just once. That would have been enough for me. To captain the team and lead them to two trophies this season has been a dream for me.”
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