WASHINGTON, D.C. December 5, 2025In a ceremonial nod to international diplomacy and the unifying power of sports, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented U.S. President Donald J. Trump with the inaugural 2025 FIFA Peace Prize on Friday evening. The award, established by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to honor individuals who exemplify exceptional actions in promoting peace and unity across the globe, marks a significant moment in the organization’s efforts to bridge politics and athletics.
The presentation took place in a formal setting, as captured in a video released by the White House. Dressed in a sharp navy suit accented by a red tie and American flag lapel pin, President Trump stood alongside Infantino, who wore a traditional dark suit and tie. Infantino, reading from a certificate, lauded Trump for his “exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity around the world.” The trophy—a gleaming golden globe evoking the FIFA World Cup—symbolized “Football Unites the World,” a motto echoed throughout the event.
“This is truly one of the great honors of my life and beyond awards,” Trump remarked in his acceptance speech, his voice steady and appreciative. He reflected on his administration’s achievements, stating, “John and I were discussing this—we saved millions and millions of lives.” The reference appeared to allude to diplomatic initiatives during his tenure, though specifics were not elaborated in the brief address. Trump concluded with a gracious “Thank you very much,” as applause filled the room.
The prize, the first of its kind, underscores FIFA’s growing emphasis on leveraging soccer’s global reach for humanitarian causes. Infantino, in his introductory remarks, emphasized the award’s dedication to those who transcend borders through dialogue and reconciliation. “Football has the power to unite, and so does leadership that prioritizes peace,” he said, according to the video’s subtitles.
The White House announcement, posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Friday, quickly garnered widespread attention, amassing over 1.2 million views, 39,000 likes, and thousands of reposts within hours. The post, captioned “PEACE PRESIDENT” ” featured the full video and tagged @FIFAWorldCup, sparking a mix of celebratory and skeptical reactions online. Supporters hailed it as a well-deserved recognition of Trump’s foreign policy successes, while critics questioned the award’s prestige, drawing humorous comparisons to fast-fashion knockoffs or novelty certificates.
This honor comes amid Trump’s ongoing second term, which began earlier this year following his 2024 reelection victory. It adds to a legacy that includes previous accolades for Middle East peace deals during his first administration, though the FIFA prize introduces a fresh dimension tied to the world’s most popular sport.
FIFA officials confirmed the award’s legitimacy in a brief statement Saturday, noting that the selection process involved a committee of international experts focused on verifiable impacts in conflict resolution and cultural exchange. No prior recipients exist, as 2025 marks the prize’s debut.
As the world anticipates the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the event serves as a timely reminder of soccer’s role in soft power diplomacy. President Trump, an avowed sports enthusiast, has long championed American hosting rights for major tournaments, and this award may further solidify U.S. ties with global athletic bodies.
The White House has not yet scheduled a formal press briefing on the matter, but sources indicate Trump plans to display the trophy prominently during upcoming international summits. For now, the “Peace President” moniker—emblazoned across the video’s overlays—resonates as a bold statement from an administration eager to project stability on the world stage.
