According to recent reports, President Donald Trump is advocating for Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, to succeed António Guterres as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.
The idea stems from Trump’s view that the Swiss-Italian football administrator possesses a unique talent for fostering global unity and commands broad respect across international circles.
As Guterres prepares to conclude his second five-year term at the end of 2026, the position at the helm of the world’s foremost international peace and cooperation body will soon become vacant.
The selection process is rigorous: a candidate typically requires formal nomination by a member state, approval from the Security Council without veto, and eventual confirmation by the General Assembly. While the proposal remains at the discussion stage, it highlights the deepening personal and professional ties between Trump and Infantino.
A source familiar with the president’s thinking shared with the New York Post that Trump sees Infantino as someone capable of bridging divides on the global stage. This sentiment was echoed by Paolo Zampolli, a businessman and Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships, who described the notion as a “genius idea” that only Trump could conceive.
Zampolli pointed to parallels between leading FIFA, with its more than 200 member associations, and steering the United Nations, which represents 193 countries. He praised Infantino’s managerial track record, suggesting the skills honed in world football could translate effectively to diplomatic challenges.
The two leaders’ alliance has grown notably visible in recent months, particularly around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States co-hosted. Last December, Infantino presented Trump with FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize during the tournament draw, praising the president’s contributions to global prosperity and offering the full support of the soccer community.
Their collaboration extended into the competition itself, when Trump reportedly reached out to Infantino following a controversial red card issued to U.S. player Folarin Balogun. The suspension was later overturned, allowing Balogun to participate in subsequent matches.
At the tournament final on July 19, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0, Trump joined Infantino on the field for the medal ceremony—an appearance that drew audible disapproval from parts of the crowd.
Infantino, meanwhile, watched the match from a suite alongside Trump and his family at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. These public moments underscore a rapport built on mutual interests in major sporting events and international influence.
Infantino’s path to FIFA leadership began with his role as secretary-general of UEFA before he assumed the top position at the global governing body.
He has also served on the International Olympic Committee since 2020. However, his tenure has not been without controversy, drawing criticism from various quarters over governance and decision-making within the organization. Despite this, supporters like Zampolli emphasize his widespread likability and proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
The White House and FIFA have not yet issued official comments on the reported discussions. Should the proposal advance, it would represent an unconventional choice for the United Nations role, blending the worlds of sports administration and high-level geopolitics.
As the international community looks ahead to leadership transitions, this development adds an intriguing layer to ongoing conversations about global institutions and their future direction.
