Lamine Yamal and Donald Trump had a frosty exchange
Lamine Yamal appeared to leave President Donald Trump hanging when he initially refused to shake his hand(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
World Cup-winner Lamine Yamal almost made a mockery of Donald Trump in front of millions following Spain's win over Argentina. The 19-year-old played a crucial role in Sunday's final in New Jersey before he appeared to snub the president of the United States.
Yamal was on his way to the trophy presentation stage at New York/New Jersey Stadium after Spain's dramatic 1-0 in extra time. Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino awaited the youngster on-stage, along with a queue of Spanish dignitaries.
But the Barcelona winger looked noticeably reticent to the prospect of shaking hands with the president. He first clasped hands with Infantino and gave the FIFA chief a friendly embrace with his free arm.
By contrast, Trump's extended arm went unanswered for a moment as Yamal seemed to take stock of who it was greeting him. Yamal put his hand out, then retracted it ever so slightly as if he was going to snub Trump. Eventually, however, the Spanish talisman reciprocated the greeting along with a subtle nod in Trump's direction.
Yamal then dipped his head to receive his winner's medal before accepting his congratulations from some of Spain's representatives. King Felipe VI was among those warmly congratulating the winning side, as well as runners-up Argentina.
Yamal's reaction to the King of Spain couldn't have been more different to his meeting with Trump. His blank, emotionless expression almost immediately gave was to a broad grin as he was drawn in by his countryman prior to lifting the trophy.
Both Trump and Infantino were roundly booed by the New Jersey audience as they took to the field for the trophy presentation. That's largely been the case for any match Trump and his FIFA cohort have attended throughout the tournament.
His appearance was also jeered after being shown on the big screen following Sunday's national anthems. While the drama and quality of football at World Cup 2026 may have received positive reviews, the same can't be said for the cost and general organisation in other aspects.
Supporters have been hugely critical of the expense at this World Cup, including inflated public transport costs and general ticket prices. While those topics may not be of major concern to Yamal, La Roja's shining light looked anything but overjoyed to meet the US leader.
Argentina defender Cristian Romero took it one step further by completely blanking the US president. Romero accepted his runner-up medal on stage but refused to shake Trump's hand altogether in what looked a very intentional snub.
Yamal didn't sparkle quite as some expected at this World Cup following his heroics en route to victory at Euro 2024. He entered the competition on the back of an injury and finished the tournament with just one direct goal contribution in eight games.
He did, however, play a hand in setting up Ferran Torres' extra-time decider on Sunday night. And the teen talent was nonetheless vital in Spain's possession tactics as he helped deliver the World Cup in a country where he still can't legally drink alcohol.
Yamal's cold reaction to Trump wasn't the last of the president's final faux pas, either. He was also criticised for lingering on stage as he sought to share the spotlight with Spain during the trophy lift before he quietly departed alongside Infantino.
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