U.S. President Donald Trump has shared his opinion on who he thinks is the best footballer in history—and it’s not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Trump attended the Club World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Chelsea dominated Paris Saint-Germain, scoring three goals in the first half and winning 3-0. The match was part of the newly expanded Club World Cup tournament.
After the game, Trump spoke with DAZN and was asked to name his favorite footballer of all time. He quickly responded with the name Pelé, calling him the greatest player ever.
Trump also remembered the time Pelé played in the United States. He talked about the Brazilian star’s time with the New York Cosmos during the 1970s. Pelé joined the team in 1975 and played until he retired in 1977.
Trump said, “When I was younger, Pelé came to play for the Cosmos. This stadium was packed with fans. It was the old version of today’s stadium, right here in the Meadowlands. Watching Pelé was unforgettable.”
He continued, “I don’t want to sound old, but that was many years ago. I was still a young man, and seeing Pelé play was amazing. I’d say he was the best. It’s like calling Babe Ruth the greatest in baseball. Pelé was just that good.”
Trump also mentioned that he sees the Club World Cup and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup as ways to show America’s strength. He hopes both events will highlight what he calls a “Golden Age of America,” especially if he returns as president.
The 2026 World Cup final will also take place at the MetLife Stadium and will happen during America’s 250th Independence anniversary.
