2025 FIFA 클럽 월드컵을 준비하는 이탈리아의 명문 구단 유벤투스가 백악관을 방문하여 도널드 트럼프 대통령과 만나는 이례적인 사건이 발생했습니다. 보통 미국의 스포츠 챔피언 팀들이 초청되는 관례와는 달리, 이번 방문은 많은 궁금증을 불러일으켰습니다. 특히, 이 만남은 FIFA 회장 지아니 인판티노의 노력의 일환으로 해석되며, 유벤투스에는 미국 국가대표 팀 선수들이 포함되어 있어 더욱 주목받고 있습니다. 그럼 본문에서 바로 이어서 살펴보죠.
The prestigious Italian club Juventus, participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup being held in the United States, visited the White House and met with President Donald Trump. This visit raised many questions as it deviated from the usual practice of inviting American sports champion teams. We take a closer look at the background of this visit and the controversial moments when the players felt “a bit strange.”

Why Was This Unusual Visit Held?
The background of this meeting involved efforts by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. FIFA has been working hard to build friendly relations with the U.S. government for the successful hosting of the ongoing Club World Cup and the upcoming 2026 North American World Cup.
This visit by Juventus is interpreted as part of FIFA’s efforts. Notably, Juventus includes U.S. national team players Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie, adding to the visit’s significance.
“Can a woman play?”… Trump’s Unexpected Question and Awkward Silence
The atmosphere, which seemed like it would be cheerful, quickly became awkward due to President Trump’s unexpected question. He directed a question that seemed aimed at the issue of transgender participation in sports towards the players.
“Could a woman make your team, fellas?”
Surprised by the unexpected question, the players only managed awkward laughs, and while Director Damien Comolli cleverly responded, “We have a great women’s team,” President Trump followed up with, “But don’t women’s teams play against women?” further escalating the discomfort in the room.
Player’s Perspective: Timothy Weah “Honestly, it was a bit strange”
Timothy Weah, a forward on the U.S. national team who participated in the event, shared his honest feelings about the situation. In an interview with The Athletic, he expressed discomfort with the political discussions that arose.
“Honestly, I was surprised. It was a bit strange. When he started talking about politics with Iran, I thought, ‘I just want to play soccer…’ I’m not really interested in politics, so it wasn’t that interesting to me.”
Conclusion: Unexpected Controversy in a Diplomatic Meeting
Juventus’s visit to the White House was a diplomatic event aimed at ensuring FIFA’s successful hosting of the World Cup, but it became the center of political controversy due to President Trump’s unpredictable remarks. This incident, which left the players with a unique yet somewhat ‘strange’ experience, will be recorded as an example of the complex intersections that can occur where sports and politics meet.



