Luis de la Fuente: Trump told me I deserved the Ballon d'Or
The Spain coach recalled a joking remark from Donald Trump after the World Cup final and defended FIFA's independence.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente described a light-hearted exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump after Spain defeated Argentina to win the World Cup, saying Trump told him he deserved the Ballon d'Or — a remark the coach did not fully understand at the time.
Speaking on the Spanish television programme El Hormiguero on Antena 3, De la Fuente recounted the moment during the trophy presentation. He said the president complimented him but that a language gap left him unsure of the full content of the comment.
“He told me I deserved the Ballon d'Or. He added something else, but I'm still learning English. Just in case, I replied: 'Thank you very much,'” the coach said with a laugh.
De la Fuente stresses sporting independence
The coach also addressed reports that President Trump had intervened with FIFA to seek the cancellation of a red card shown to U.S. player Balogun. De la Fuente rejected any outside influence on footballing decisions.
"Football must make its own decisions, regardless of what outside factors say. FIFA must not allow itself to be influenced by anyone," he said, reiterating that sporting bodies should remain autonomous when handling disciplinary matters.
Photo: press material from the event
