The Juventus squad paid a visit to the White House, where they met with US President Donald Trump ahead of their second Club World Cup match.
Clips of the visit went viral, particularly when the players were standing behind the president during a press conference filled with political commentary – and awkward silences.
Juventus Meets Trump Before Club World Cup Match
As part of their US tour, Juventus made a stop at the White House after being invited to meet Trump ahead of their next Club World Cup match in Philadelphia. But instead of a routine photo-op, the encounter turned awkward fast.
Flanked by head coach Igor Tudor, club legends like Giorgio Chiellini, new general manager Damien Comolli, and Exor CEO John Elkann, the players were forced to stand silently as Trump delivered a stream of politically charged remarks on Iran, immigration, and gender in sport.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was also present, prompting Trump to ask whether Juventus’ match against Al-Ain would be “sold out.”
He then turned to Juventus’ American players, Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah, shaking their hands before steering the conversation into murkier territory.
Trump is talking about bombing Iran with the Juventus squad standing in the background. pic.twitter.com/CoaUX4O4hI
— hash (@hashim0307) June 18, 2025
What Did Trump Say to the Juventus Players
The moment that drew the most attention came when Trump suddenly asked the players, “Could a woman make your team, fellas?”
Caught off guard, the squad stayed silent. As cameras snapped and reporters looked on, Trump repeated the question. Juventus executive Comolli stepped in diplomatically, mentioning the club’s strong women’s side.
But Trump doubled down, saying, “But they should be playing with women. He’s being very diplomatic,” he added, gesturing to Comolli.
The exchange was visibly awkward and quickly went viral online. The players, lined up in tailored suits behind Trump, looked visibly uncomfortable, shifting on their feet as the press conference veered into topics that had little to do with football.
At another point, Trump made comments linking the Juventus squad to US immigration policy. “People come, but they have to do it legally,” he said. “Like some of these guys behind me. If they come legally, we want them. If they can’t say they love America, we don’t want them.”
Juventus Next Club World Cup Match
On the pitch, Juventus remains focused. The Italian giants opened their Club World Cup campaign with a dominant 5-0 win over Al-Ain, with braces from Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao, plus a goal from Kenan Yildiz.
Coach Igor Tudor praised the performance, stating, “There was lovely energy between the players. That desire to work hard for one another… we are going in the right direction.”
Juventus now face Wydad AC in Philadelphia on Sunday. They sit tied at the top of Group G with Manchester City, who also won their opening match.
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