Trump Has His Medal Now: The Bizarre Story of Madueke's Transfer Timing

The Medal That Got Away

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to miss out on glory by just one day? For Noni Madueke, that question became painfully real when he left Chelsea's Club World Cup camp to complete his £48.5 million transfer to Arsenal, just hours before his former teammates lifted the trophy in New Jersey. The 23-year-old English winger departed the United States early to finalize his medical examination and sign a five-year contract with the Gunners, but in doing so, he missed Chelsea's stunning 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

What makes this story even more peculiar is where Madueke's winner's medal ended up. Chelsea teammate Marc Cucurella recently revealed during a Q&A session at his football academy in Spain that President Donald Trump now has Madueke's medal. Videos from the trophy presentation showed Trump examining a FIFA medal given to him by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, before quietly slipping it into his suit jacket pocket. When Infantino appeared to reach for it back, Trump kept it, with the FIFA boss simply shrugging and giving a thumbs up. Cucurella joked that the medal is now sitting nicely in the White House, a permanent souvenir of Trump's eventful day at MetLife Stadium.

Cucurella Questions the Timing

Was it really worth leaving a day early? That's the question Marc Cucurella posed when asked about his former teammate's decision. The Spanish left-back didn't hold back his thoughts on Madueke's transfer timing, calling it strange and suggesting the winger missed a golden opportunity. Speaking candidly, Cucurella acknowledged that while Madueke wasn't starting in the final, the decision to leave early seemed unnecessary given how close they were to lifting the trophy.

I think he missed a good opportunity, although he wasn't playing as a starter, Cucurella explained. The defender suggested that everything happening regarding Madueke's future caused him to depart the camp prematurely. It could have delayed him a couple of days since he left a day early or something like that, Cucurella noted, adding that it wouldn't have cost him anything to wait for that next day. The Spanish international's comments highlight the internal confusion within the Chelsea squad about why Madueke felt compelled to miss such a significant moment in the club's history for the sake of expediting his move to their London rivals.

Trump's Unforgettable Club World Cup Cameo

If you thought Madueke's early departure was the only talking point from Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph, think again. President Trump managed to steal almost as much attention as the players themselves during the final at MetLife Stadium. From the moment he arrived with First Lady Melania Trump, the 79-year-old became a constant presence on television coverage, sitting next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a luxury suite that also hosted Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, NFL legend Tom Brady, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

The president's involvement didn't stop at watching the match. After the final whistle, Trump joined Infantino on stage to present medals to Chelsea players, an appearance that drew mixed reactions from the crowd with audible boos. But the most bizarre moment came when Trump refused to leave the stage after handing the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James, standing center stage while the team celebrated around him. Players looked confused about whether to wait for him to exit or proceed with their celebration. Eventually, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez gestured to James to just lift the trophy anyway, resulting in the surreal image of Chelsea hoisting silverware with the American president planted right in the middle of their huddle. Trump later revealed to broadcaster DAZN that the trophy Chelsea received was actually a replica, and that he's keeping the real one, made by Tiffany and Co, permanently displayed in the Oval Office.

Madueke's Fresh Start at Arsenal

Despite the controversial timing of his departure, Noni Madueke has been making waves at Arsenal since his summer arrival. The former Tottenham youth product, who spent time at Crystal Palace before developing his skills at PSV Eindhoven, joined Arsenal for a deal worth up to £52 million including add-ons. Initially, many Arsenal fans expressed skepticism about the signing, with the hashtag No to Madueke trending on social media as supporters questioned what he would bring to the team.

Fast forward to October 2025, and those doubts are beginning to fade. Madueke has been playing with confidence on Arsenal's right wing, providing much-needed support and rotation for Bukayo Saka, who had shouldered an enormous workload in recent seasons. NBC Sports analyst Robbie Earle named Madueke his underappreciated performer of the week following Arsenal's 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, praising his threat, ability to run past defenders, and creative contributions. The statistics backed up the eye test: Madueke led the match in most crosses, most touches in the opposition box, most chances created, and most successful take-ons. Arsenal fans gave him a standing ovation when he was substituted, a remarkable turnaround from the initial reception to his signing. Though he suffered a minor injury scare during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Manchester City in September when Mikel Arteta substituted him at halftime, the winger has proven himself to be an exciting and powerful talent who's beginning to justify his hefty price tag in north London.