Slow-motion clips from Sunday’s World Cup final appear to show Spain’s Lamine Yamal briefly thinking twice before taking Donald Trump’s hand during the medal presentation.
Spain secured a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute. During the post-match ceremony, Trump stood alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino as players came forward to collect their medals.
Yamal first acknowledged Infantino with a handshake and a hug, but seemed less immediate in his reaction when Trump extended his hand.
Video of the moment suggests the 19-year-old paused for a second before ultimately shaking hands, giving a slight nod and then lowering his head as his medal was placed around his neck.
Although some clips shared online claimed Yamal ignored the US president, footage from the ceremony shows that the handshake did happen.
🚨— لامين يامال رفض مصافحة دونالد ترامب في البداية! pic.twitter.com/y45tlwmR82
— Osama 🇸🇦 (@Siiros2) July 20, 2026
Other videos and images from the presentation also show the two making contact, indicating the hesitation was likely an awkward moment rather than an intentional snub.
A short time later, Yamal looked far more at ease when meeting Spain’s King Felipe VI, smiling broadly in a reaction that stood out against his more reserved expression with Trump.
Both Trump and Infantino were met with boos from parts of the crowd when they stepped onto the pitch for the ceremony. Infantino has faced similar reactions at multiple matches during the tournament, while Trump’s only appearance came at the final.
He had already drawn a negative response earlier in the evening when he appeared on the stadium’s big screens following the national anthems.
Yamal entered the final as one of Spain’s most talked-about players after a record-breaking rise that has already made him one of European football’s biggest names. He has been a standout for Barcelona and Spain, and was one of the youngest players ever to appear in a major tournament final at Euro 2024.
While Yamal’s interaction left room for debate, Argentina defender Cristian Romero’s actions seemed much clearer.
As he received his runners-up medal, Romero appeared to intentionally avoid shaking Trump’s hand.
Argentina’s players also kept their backs turned when captain Rodri was presented with the trophy later in the ceremony.
Yamal’s tournament was quieter than many had predicted after his breakout displays at Euro 2024. The winger produced only one direct goal contribution in eight appearances and came into the competition carrying an injury.
Even so, he remained influential in Spain’s attacking play in the final and was involved in the move that produced Torres’ winner, helping his side claim the title in a country where he is still not old enough to legally buy alcohol.
Trump also attracted criticism after the trophy lift by staying on stage during Spain’s celebrations, seemingly trying to remain part of the moment before Infantino discreetly guided him away.