In a surprising move, Donald Trump was named the inaugural recipient of the newly created FIFA Peace Prize on December 5, 2025, during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.
FIFA introduced the award in November 2025 to honour “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and helped unite people worldwide. At the draw, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump with a gold‑plated trophy—a globe held in upraised hands—along with a medal and a certificate recognizing his “actions to promote peace and unity around the world.” Accepting the prize, Trump called it “one of the great honours of my life,” and said he and Infantino had “saved millions and millions of lives.” The ceremony came shortly after Trump was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The decision drew immediate controversy. Critics argued the award represents a sharp departure from FIFA’s traditional focus on sport and questioned why a global football body was handing out a political peace prize. Observers also noted a lack of transparency about the selection process: FIFA has not disclosed criteria, judges, or how nominations were made, prompting accusations that the prize could be symbolic or politically motivated rather than merit‑based. Some commentators said the timing—coming soon after the Nobel went to another candidate—looked like an attempt to give Trump an alternative trophy he had publicly sought, with detractors calling the new honour a “participation award.”
Beyond the immediate personalities, the episode highlights a broader trend: sports institutions increasingly intersecting with global politics. By launching and awarding the FIFA Peace Prize, FIFA appears to be expanding into diplomacy and image building, using soccer’s global reach to promote unity. Supporters say that is a positive use of sport’s influence; critics warn that blurring the lines between sport and geopolitics risks politicizing both.
Trump did not win the Nobel Peace Prize, but he did leave the World Cup draw with a headline‑grabbing trophy from FIFA. The first FIFA Peace Prize has added a contentious chapter to debates about what a “peace prize” should recognize and who gets to award it.
