WATCH: 'Could a woman make your team?,' US President Donald Trump leaves Juventus players confused
US President Donald Trump with the Juventus squad (Image via X/@TheAthleticFC)
A visit to the White House by Juventus players took an unexpected turn when US President Donald Trump posed a surprising question about transgender athletes. The Juventus squad, in the United States to compete in the Club World Cup, found themselves in an awkward moment during the meeting.
After commending Juventus as a 'great team,' Trump suddenly asked, 'Could a woman make your team, fellas?' According to The Guardian, the Juventus players responded with nervous smiles but remained silent. Video footage of the exchange shows the players exchanging confused glances, clearly caught off guard by the question. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also present during the interaction.
Trump repeated the question, prompting Juventus's general manager Damien Comolli to step in with a diplomatic response: 'We have a very good women's team,' referring to Juventus Women, the current Serie A champions.
Trump quickly countered, 'But they should be playing with women,' leaving Comolli without a reply. The US President then remarked, 'See they are being very diplomatic,' before the meeting concluded with the team presenting Trump a Juventus club shirt.
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What do you think about Trump's question to Juventus players regarding women in sports?
It's a valid question that needs discussion
It was inappropriate and awkward
This incident comes in the wake of an executive order signed by Trump in February that barred transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. The order, criticized by human rights advocates as discriminatory, not only set regulations but also instructed the US Department of Education to investigate schools suspected of non-compliance.
Following the awkward encounter, Juventus showed their strength on the field later that day, securing a commanding 5-0 victory over Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates at Washington DC's Audi Field.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
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