Spain celebrated a historic FIFA World Cup victory over Argentina on Sunday, but comments made by one of its players before the championship match also generated headlines.
Spanish forward Borja Iglesias publicly expressed his dislike for President Donald Trump before the World Cup final, saying he hoped any interaction with the president during the trophy ceremony would be brief.
Following Spain’s victory, President Trump congratulated the newly crowned World Cup champions during the traditional postgame trophy presentation, continuing his recent involvement in major international sporting events.
Spanish Star Criticized President Trump
Speaking to Spanish media before kickoff, Iglesias acknowledged that he expected to meet President Trump if Spain won the championship. While discussing the possibility, he made it clear he was not looking forward to the moment.
“I do not want to be put in prison,” Iglesias joked, according to All Out Soccer. “I wish to meet him at a moment when we’re all extremely happy, and it passes very quickly so I can forget about it.”
Although critical of Trump, Iglesias also suggested he did not want his comments to overshadow Spain’s opportunity to compete for the biggest prize in international soccer.
“I don’t think this is the time to create controversy,” he said. “People know perfectly well what I think. I would love to do many things, but the reality is that, even if people think I am all-powerful, I don’t have that much power to tackle certain things.”
Iglesias Has Been Vocal About Politics
The Spanish striker has previously commented on political and social issues outside the sport. He has expressed support for pro-Palestinian demonstrations and has criticized former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales following the controversy that erupted after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In earlier remarks, Iglesias also argued that President Trump “struggles” with people who advocate for what he described as “progress and fundamental values.”
His comments added a political dimension to an event that millions of fans around the world were watching primarily for the championship match.
President Trump Took Part in Trophy Ceremony
President Trump attended the World Cup final and participated in the trophy presentation after Spain secured the championship over Argentina.
His appearance followed another high-profile soccer event earlier this year, when he joined FIFA officials during the FIFA Club World Cup trophy ceremony. That appearance generated widespread attention after Trump remained on stage during the team’s championship celebration.
Sunday’s World Cup final marked another major international sporting event featuring President Trump, drawing global attention not only for the championship match but also for his participation in the postgame festivities.
A Memorable Day for Spain
While Iglesias’ remarks sparked discussion before kickoff, Spain’s victory ultimately became the day’s biggest story. The Spanish national team captured the World Cup title with a championship performance that secured its place in soccer history.
As celebrations unfolded after the final whistle, President Trump congratulated the players during the trophy presentation, closing out one of the most watched sporting events of the year.
That’s not very civilized to to protest against a coutry’s leader, when playing in that country.
How Illiterate and uneducated he is! Your Pathetic and NOT funny. We don’t want illegals in our country how hard is that to understand. We have enough criminals etc….. and if your so ungrateful I Hope you never get a chance to come back in our great country!
I guess that he has a right to be wrong.
Another leftist jerk. Go back to leftist Spain and stay there. We don’t want or need the likes of you here.