Cucurella says Trump pocketed Club World Cup medal, slams Madueke for missing final

|By Babatunji Wusu

…Spain defender urges ex-teammate to rethink priorities
…Chelsea star calls Arsenal switch ‘bad timing’ after historic win

Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella has revealed that former U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly took a FIFA Club World Cup medal and stashed it in his pocket at the White House—while also questioning Noni Madueke’s decision to leave the Chelsea squad before the final to finalize his transfer to Arsenal.

Cucurella, speaking to Spanish media personality Gerard Moreno, said he found it bizarre that Madueke opted to fly back to London shortly after Chelsea’s semifinal victory over Brazilian side Fluminense. The England winger, who is of Nigerian descent, reportedly returned to complete medicals and paperwork for his move to Arsenal—just hours before the London club clinched a dominant 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

“He [Trump] put it in his pocket. He has it there in the White House, very well placed,” Cucurella said in a clip shared by talkSPORT. While the comments on Trump were made half-jokingly, the Spanish defender’s criticism of Madueke’s timing was pointed.

“Yes, I think so. I think he missed a good opportunity,” Cucurella continued. “In the end, I think it could have delayed him a couple of days. He left a day early or something like that. It wouldn’t have cost him anything to wait.”

Madueke, who came through the Chelsea system and earned his spot in the senior team, missed what Cucurella described as a golden moment in the club’s history. Chelsea secured the FIFA Club World Cup title in style, thanks to a dazzling first-half performance from Cole Palmer, who scored twice and provided an assist to seal the victory.

The win marked a milestone for new manager Enzo Maresca, as the Blues clinched their first major international trophy under his leadership.

While Chelsea fans celebrated the club’s global triumph, Madueke’s early exit and quick switch to a Premier League rival has sparked debate, with Cucurella’s comments adding fuel to the conversation.