Trump’s odd question surprises soccer team

President Donald Trump welcomed the Juventus soccer team to the White House during their visit for the FIFA Club World Cup. The Italian club, in the U.S. for a match against Al Ain, faced an unexpected moment during a brief Oval Office meeting. Trump asked the players, “Can a woman play on your team, guys?” The question caught everyone off guard, leaving the room quiet. Juventus General Manager Damien Comolli responded calmly, saying, “We have a strong women’s team.”

Trump pressed further, adding, “But they should play with other women, right?” Comolli stayed silent, avoiding the topic. The awkward exchange, reported by Yahoo Sports, drew criticism from fans online. Many felt the question was out of place and didn’t focus on the team’s achievements. U.S. soccer star Timothy Weah, part of Juventus, called the visit “weird” and said he was surprised by the political talk, including mentions of Iran.

“I just wanted to focus on soccer,” Weah told reporters after Juventus’ 5-0 win over Al Ain. The meeting, meant to celebrate Juventus’ visit, turned into a strange moment that overshadowed their Club World Cup preparations. Fans and players alike felt the discussion veered off track, with Trump’s remarks sparking debate rather than highlighting the team’s success.