The world of international sports and politics is set to intersect in a significant way, with former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly the expected recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize. The news follows a notable meeting between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in August.
The Oval Office Meeting and Trophy Presentation
The groundwork for this development was laid on August 22, 2025, when FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Oval Office. During that meeting, Infantino was photographed handing the historic Jules Rimet trophy to Donald Trump. This iconic trophy, awarded to the FIFA World Cup winner from 1930 to 1970, symbolized a moment of high-profile diplomacy between the global soccer governing body and the former American leader.
While the exact details of their conversation were not fully disclosed, the imagery alone sent a powerful message about FIFA's engagement with figures beyond the traditional sports arena. The meeting is now viewed as a precursor to the larger honor being considered.
What is the FIFA Peace Prize?
The FIFA Peace Prize is a distinct award presented by the international soccer federation to recognize outstanding contributions to peace and humanitarian efforts through football. Unlike awards for athletic performance, it highlights the sport's role as a tool for conflict resolution, social development, and bridging cultural divides.
Past recipients have typically been individuals or organizations that have leveraged the beautiful game's universal appeal to foster dialogue, support communities in crisis, or promote reconciliation in divided regions. The award underscores FIFA's stated mission to use football as a force for positive global change.
Why Trump is the Anticipated Winner
Several factors are believed to contribute to Donald Trump's status as the frontrunner for the prize. Analysts point to diplomatic initiatives during his presidency that involved sports, such as efforts to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula, which included references to sporting exchanges. FIFA may view such actions as aligning with its goal of using sport for diplomatic engagement.
Furthermore, the high-profile meeting with Infantino and the symbolic trophy handover suggest a concerted effort to build a relationship and acknowledge Trump's platform. The expected award is likely seen as a way to encourage continued engagement from influential political figures in promoting football's peace-building potential on the world stage.
The decision, while not yet official, has already sparked international discussion about the intersection of geopolitics and international sports governance. It raises questions about the criteria for such honors and the message it sends regarding the relationship between sporting bodies and political leaders.
If confirmed, the presentation of the FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump would mark one of the most politically notable moments in the award's history, cementing a unique link between his administration and the world's most popular sport.
