Marc Cucurella, the Chelsea defender, has sparked intrigue with claims that former U.S. President Donald Trump once took his FIFA Club World Cup medal to the White House, while also questioning former teammate Noni Madueke’s decision to leave the squad prematurely amid their recent tournament campaign. The Spaniard’s comments, made during an interview with Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno and reported by talkSPORT, follow Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup final.
Cucurella recounted an unusual encounter involving Trump, though details remain vague. “He put it in his pocket. He has it there in the White House, very well placed,” the left-back said of the medal, without clarifying the context or timing of the alleged interaction. The remark, while puzzling, was secondary to his critique of Madueke, who departed Chelsea’s U.S. camp hours after their semifinal win over Fluminense to finalize a transfer to Arsenal.
Madueke, an England international of Nigerian heritage, missed the final despite being part of the squad that secured Chelsea’s place in the championship match. Cucurella expressed bewilderment over the winger’s haste, suggesting he forfeited a career milestone. “It wouldn’t have cost him anything to wait,” the Spaniard stated. “He missed a golden opportunity to have the FIFA Club World Cup medal.”
According to Media Talk Africa, Madueke returned to London for medical assessments and to complete paperwork ahead of his move to Arsenal, which was finalized days before Chelsea clinched the title. Cole Palmer’s brace and an assist in the first half sealed the dominant win under manager Enzo Maresca, underscoring the significance of the trophy Madueke will not share.
Cucurella emphasized the rarity of such achievements, noting, “In the end, [the transfer] could have delayed him a couple of days. I think he missed a pretty good opportunity.” The comments highlight the tension between club loyalty and career moves, as well as the fleeting nature of chances to secure major honors.
While Cucurella’s anecdote about Trump remains unverified, his remarks about Madueke’s exit underscore the high stakes of elite football, where timing can mean the difference between lifting silverware and watching from afar. For Chelsea, the triumph marks another milestone in a storied history, even as the aftermath raises questions about sacrifices made in pursuit of individual ambitions.
