Thirty more years of Infantino? Trump weighs in on FIFA leadership
Trump celebrated Infantino’s 10 years as FIFA president and expressed hope the Swiss Italian executive remains in charge for decades.
The relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump has long been unusual. The president of FIFA and the President of the United States appear to share a level of complicity that makes many observers uneasy, particularly given the perception that both leaders believe the ends justify the means.
Now that Infantino has helped position the United States as the backbone of the first World Cup shared by three host nations, that closeness seems stronger than ever. FIFA’s decision to award Trump a Peace Prize recognition has only reinforced the perception of a tight alliance.
On February 26, 2026, Infantino marked his 10th anniversary as FIFA president, and Trump joined the celebration. The U.S. leader not only highlighted the milestone on social media but also wished prosperity to the Swiss Italian executive at the helm of world soccer.
Trump’s message to Infantino
Echoing Infantino’s own public tone, Trump’s message focused on praising the soccer chief’s leadership over the years.
“Congratulations to Gianni Infantino on 10 years of being the President of FIFA — What a GREAT Leader he has been. I hope he is there for another 10, 20, or 30 years!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.
A decade after taking office, Infantino often points to the organization’s transformation under his leadership. He inherited FIFA during a moment of crisis, when the governing body was reeling from scandal and facing widespread doubts about its direction.
What began as a promise to rebuild following the biggest corruption scandal in FIFA history under Sepp Blatter now divides opinion. Some see financial stability and institutional recovery, while others question the political and ethical costs of achieving that stability.
Infantino took charge in 2016 under extraordinary circumstances. The suspension of Michel Platini, his mentor at UEFA, reshaped the election landscape and created an unexpected opportunity. The vote he later described as a “great sign of democracy” was driven more by institutional urgency than by deep structural reform.
A decade that still divides opinion
During Infantino’s tenure, FIFA has continued to face controversy, often on a global scale. Criticism has ranged from the deaths linked to stadium construction for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to the organization’s stance on geopolitical conflicts, including calls for sanctions related to the war in Gaza. Debate has also grown around the possible return of Russia and Belarus to international competitions and the creation of the recognition given to Trump.
Attention is now increasingly focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, as political tensions in the host nations add another layer of scrutiny.
At the same time, Infantino’s era has brought sweeping changes. FIFA has increased its investment in women’s soccer, a point the president frequently highlights, often noting that he is the father of four daughters. Prize money has grown, and new rules addressing maternity protections in the sport have been introduced.
Technological and regulatory shifts have also defined his presidency. The expansion of video review, including the use of Video Assistant Referee technology and semi automated offside, along with new regulations for agents, has reshaped how the game operates at the highest level.
Reelected in 2019 and again in 2023, Infantino could remain in charge until 2031, the limit set by FIFA statutes.
Ten years on, his legacy is not measured only by financial results or the expansion of tournaments. Instead, it is increasingly defined by the broader debate over what kind of leadership the global game truly needs.
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