Behind the Scenes: Weah, McKennie, and Juventus’ Unforgettable Meeting with Trump – A Surreal Experience!

Wednesday in Washington D.C. was anything but ordinary for the Italian football club Juventus. Instead of getting ready for their FIFA Club World Cup match against Al-Ain FC, players and executives found themselves standing behind President Donald Trump in the Oval Office during a media briefing.

Among those present were U.S. Men’s National Team players Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah. As Trump discussed serious topics like tensions with Iran and travel bans, Weah admitted he felt out of place. “I just want to play football, man,” he said after Juventus won 5-0.

The Juventus delegation included club owner John Elkann, CEO Maurizio Scanavino, general manager Damien Comolli, and sporting director Giorgio Chiellini. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also there, promoting international soccer. He gifted Trump a FIFA Club World Cup jersey, featuring the slogan “football unites the world” and Trump’s name.

Trump used the opportunity to hype the evening’s sold-out match, although tickets were still available earlier that day. He made a point to highlight the two American players but glossed over some of the players’ past criticisms of him—like McKennie’s bold statement in 2020, when he said Trump wasn’t fit to lead.

The unexpected champion of football discourse was also Weah’s father, George Weah, a former soccer star and current president of Liberia. Interestingly, discussions of potential travel bans might affect his home country.

When the topic shifted to women in sports, Trump awkwardly asked if a woman could join the team. Comolli vaguely responded with praise for Juventus’ women’s team but didn’t delve deep into the topic. The atmosphere felt charged as the club members stood by while the president commented on global politics—a stark contrast to their sports focus.

Why were they there in the first place? Juventus was in town for their match, and reports suggest an invitation from the White House facilitated the meet-up. Elkann has close ties in the U.S., especially regarding business interests, given that his family has a rich history in both basketball and vehicles.

Traditionally, sports figures have a long-standing relationship with the White House, often visiting to celebrate championships. Interestingly, Trump’s interactions with sports teams have sparked controversy in the past, like when he revoked invitations to the NBA champion Golden State Warriors.

As for McKennie and Weah, they took the experience in stride. Weah called it “cool” but admitted he wasn’t keen on mixing sports with politics. Coach Igor Tudor echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the rarity of such visits.

In the run-up to the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., it’s worth noting that sports can bridge gaps in cultural understanding, even in politically charged environments. The juxtaposition of serious discussions and the light-hearted nature of attending a football match reflects the complex role sports plays in society.

Public reactions matter, too. Fans on social media reacted with mixed feelings, celebrating the representation of American players but questioning the appropriateness of discussing world issues in sports spaces.

Overall, the day highlighted how sports and politics intersect, reminding us that players not only shape the game but also navigate broader conversations happening in the world.



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Juventus, Champions League, Culture, FIFA Club World Cup, International Football, Premier League, Serie A, Soccer, Sports Business