Latest news with #ReeceJames
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lewis Hamilton drops heartfelt message for Reece James after Club World Cup win as love pours in across social media
Lewis Hamilton drops heartfelt message for Reece James after Club World Cup win as love pours in across social media (Image Via Google) On July 13, 2025, an important moment took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Chelsea won the FIFA Club World Cup after beating Paris Saint‑Germain, 3–0. Everyone noticed Reece James hoisting the trophy, however. Then, out of nowhere, seven‑time Formula 1 champion Sir Lewis Hamilton shared a warm and simple message. He wrote on Instagram Story: 'Through it all, you kept your head up and kept pushing! Proud of you, brother.' His words caught the hearts of fans and players alike, coming right after a tough season filled with injury setbacks for James. Sir Lewis Hamilton praises Reece James after Club World Cup win On July 15, 2025, Lewis Hamilton used social media to reach out to Reece James. Lewis Hamilton reposted a photo Reece James shared of himself holding the trophy after the match on July 13. He wrote, 'Through it all, you kept your head up and kept pushing! Proud of you, brother.' Reece James, born December 8, 1999, in London, is Chelsea's right‑back and captain since 2023. He has been key in Chelsea's recent success, helping them win the UEFA Conference League and now their second Club World Cup title. Reece James missed parts of the earlier season due to injuries. That's why Lewis Hamilton's message mattered, coming from a sports star who knows what it means to face hard times and keep going. Lewis Hamilton used the word 'brother' to show strong support, which fans saw as sincere and caring. Also Read: F1 Star Damson Idris Talks About His Bond With Lewis Hamilton; Reveals Why He Is Not A Method Actor Reece James reacts to support from Lewis Hamilton Reece James did not give a full response to Lewis Hamilton yet, but his teammates and fans are talking about it. After the win on July 13, Reece James said: 'I think for sure we are moving in the right direction… so it's a big statement.' At the same match, Donald Trump's unexpected stay on stage during the celebration became a talking point. But now, everyone is shifting focus back to Reece James and his journey. The support from Lewis Hamilton shows respect across sports from F1 to football. Lewis Hamilton's post made people on X (Twitter) light up with excitement. Fans praised the gesture, calling it true sports friendship. It was simple, but powerful: a champion congratulating another after a well‑deserved win and big comeback. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
IOL News
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Chelsea's Fifa Club World Cup triumph 'a big statement', but what might be the cost?
Captain Reece James and Joao Pedro celebrate Chelsea's Fifa Club World Championship final victory over Paris St Germain. Picture: AFP Image: AFP For Chelsea, victory in Sunday's Club World Cup decider completed a fine first season under Enzo Maresca, and also finally brought the curtain down on a marathon campaign that they must hope does not catch up with them down the line. The Cole Palmer-inspired 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium outside New York was Chelsea's 64th game of a season which lasted 11 months. By any measure it was one of Chelsea's best ever campaigns, with their Club World Cup triumph -- placed on a par by Maresca to winning the Champions League -- following victory in the Uefa Conference League and a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League. Maresca, an ex-assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, could not have asked for much more after arriving off the back of leading Leicester City to promotion. "It has been a fantastic season but I am especially happy for the players," said the Italian, who has succeeded in putting together a coherent team out of the endless line of new signings being brought in by the club's owners. "We have said many times that talent alone is not enough. You need to find a way for them to all fit together." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ It all represents considerable progress from just two years ago, when the Stamford Bridge side finished in the bottom half of the Premier League. Maresca incorporated more new faces during the Club World Cup, with Joao Pedro making a remarkable impact -- the Brazilian forward cut short a holiday to complete a £60 million ($79 million) transfer from Brighton and Hove Albion, and went on to score twice in the semi-final against Fluminense and once in the final. Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Andrey Santos all joined up ahead of the month in the United States, while Jamie Gittens has since arrived from Borussia Dortmund and fellow winger Estevao Willian now joins from Palmeiras in Brazil. Chelsea will hope those signings, added to a squad led by the likes of Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, can make a real push for the Premier League title off the back of their impressive triumph at Fifa 's new tournament. "It's a big statement," captain Reece James told English media shortly after lifting the trophy alongside US President Donald Trump. "I'm happy with how much the club has progressed and how next season you know we'll be competing in the Premier League, to win the title and compete, and to go far in the Champions League as well." Chelsea have also pocketed a stunning $115 million in prize money from the Club World Cup, but what if there comes a point in 2025/26 when their exploits of this season catch up with them? While Chelsea have been competing at the Club World Cup in draining weather conditions, Premier League champions Liverpool and runners-up Arsenal have enjoyed extended off-season breaks. Manchester City were also at the Club World Cup but they went out over a week earlier. Global players' union FIFPro has been the leading voices expressing concerns about the demands on the game's biggest stars in an ever-expanding calendar. One of the safeguards it proposed in a study published before the tournament was a mandatory four-week off-season break, along with four-week retraining periods before returning to competition. Chelsea's off-season is drastically reduced, with their first match of the next Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace slated for August 17, exactly five weeks after the Club World Cup final. They have a friendly against Bayer Leverkusen on August 8. "Tomorrow I have three weeks of holiday which is all I want right now because I have not stopped in 15 months," said Maresca on Sunday. It remains to be seen if Maresca and his players come back sufficiently refreshed before attacking a season in which they hope to go far in the Champions League, and which will end with the World Cup in North America. PSG face an even tighter squeeze after a historic campaign for Luis Enrique's team, capped by their triumph in the Champions League final. Their first competitive match of next season will be the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur in Italy on August 13, exactly one month after their defeat in New York -- a chance to win more silverware, but at what cost? - AFP
News.com.au
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Internet loses it as Donald Trump pockets item at Club World Cup final
The fallout to Donald Trump's chaotic appearance at the Club World Cup continues with the US President accused of stealing a medal. The leader of the free world had already caused a stir when he ignored Chelsea players and remained on the stage during the club's celebrations following a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Monday. Footage of Chelsea star Cole Palmer's perplexed facial expression at the sight of Trump on the victory dais has gone viral in the past 24 hours and there was no hiding captain Reece James' frustration with Trump's presence when he was preparing to hold the silverware aloft. The 79-year-old was seen handing out many of the medals during the procession of players walking onto the stage alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The pair then handed the trophy over to James. It is an unwritten rule for politicians and dignitaries to leave the stage at that point to give the team their moment to shine, but the 47th President of the United States remained on stage with a beaming smile, — even pumping his fist while players began chanting a club anthem. With snipers and security agents stationed around the stadium, Trump appeared to be gestured away from the stage initially by Infantino, before an incredulous James, 25, was seen asking him, 'Are you staying?' The Republican leader had also inadvertently blocked the view of Golden Ball winner Palmer, who had a confused look on his face as he was also seen asking James, 'What's he doing?' Marc Cucurella was also seen staring inquisitively at Trump and then started laughing when James appeared to ask him to leave. Vision taken by spectators in the stadium showed FIFA President Gianni Infantino eventually walked into the middle of the stage to escort Trump out the back behind the players. There was more drama to come as Infantino quietly handed Trump a champions medal on the side of the stage while players were celebrating. Trump didn't appear to care too much as he put the item inside his jacket pocket and walked off the stage. A ten-second video of Trump's act has gone viral on social media with many fans suggesting the President had stolen the medallion — however, those claims have proven to be false, judging by extended footage shared online. It wasn't the worst moment for Trump. He was loudly booed as he walked onto the field following the game. He had also been jeered by some sections of the crowd when he was shown on the big screen inside the stadium. According to the BBC, there was one more round of booing as Trump left the field. Speaking after the game, Palmer, 23, and James both admitted they were surprised about the turn of events. Palmer told the BBC: 'I knew he was going to be here but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy so I was a bit confused, yeah.' Captain James added to Sky Sports: 'Before they told me he (Trump) was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage. 'Then I thought he was going to exit the stage but he wanted to stay.' You can literally see Cole Palmer visibly confused at Trump being there, you can’t make this up ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ — bastoni enjoyer (@Makiark1) July 13, 2025 Reece James asking Donald Trump ‘are you gonna leave’ and Trump just not moving for the trophy lift is mental 😂😂😂😂😂 — Leyton Bracegirdle (@leytonb) July 13, 2025 Following the game Trump revealed he had a good time, and joked he would even consider signing an executive order to change America's naming of 'soccer' to football for next year's World Cup. Football fans around the world had been left in stitches at the scenes of Trump putting himself in the middle of the celebrations. One person posted on X: 'Who invited Trump? He thinks he's part of the team'. One fan wrote: 'Awkward!!!! Trump doesn't know social cues. Watch the guy trying so hard to get him to leave'. Another posted: 'It's so annoying and embarrassing to see someone not related to the game at all ruining player's dream moment.'. One person wrote Trump 'outstayed his welcome'. Others, however, described Trump's actions as 'legend s***'. One person posted on X: 'Trump is a baller for real. Chelsea just won the club world cup. Trump gave them the trophy and refused to leave the podium, almost jumping with the players.' Another person wrote: 'Trump is having the time of his life at the FIFA Club World Cup'.
IOL News
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Could Chelsea's stunning triumph over PSG mark start of new era under Enzo Maresca?
Chelsea's English defender Reece James lifts the Fifa Club World Cup trophy with teammates and US President Donald Trump after the final against PSG at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Liverpool couldn't do it. Nor could Arsenal. Milan conceded five. Even the mighty Real Madrid fell short, humbled in unforgettable fashion. But Chelsea could — when few had given them a chance. Enzo Maresca's Blues did to PSG what PSG have done to countless big names in a remarkable recent run that included Uefa Champions League glory as part of a magnificent treble for Luis Enrique's all-conquering team. The quadruple was on, by all accounts, when PSG swept Madrid aside with a devastating opening salvo in the Fifa Club World Cup semi-final in the US. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Chelsea, meanwhile, were quietly going about their business in the other half of the draw, adding key puzzle pieces along the way. But it was the addition of striker Joao Pedro from Brighton that would have the most immediate impact. The Brazilian has underlined the value of investing in proven Premier League talent, with three goals in his first two matches in blue — and a 'major' title to boot. Talk about a dream debut. The likes of Arsenal, and others currently hunting for top marksmen in the transfer window, should take note. The spectacular return to form of talisman Cole Palmer only bodes well for Chelsea's future after an inconsistent campaign last season. Palmer had PSG left-back Nuno Mendes in his pocket — he may still be there — as he pulled the strings for the Blues all night. That is no mean feat, with the Portuguese defender widely regarded as one of the best in his position. A long time coming Moises Caicedo has rediscovered the dominant midfield form he showed at Brighton, breaking up attacks and driving Chelsea forward. Captain Enzo Fernandez, too, is thriving in a more advanced role. Suddenly, there is a balance to Maresca's team that had been sorely lacking last season, when they often looked rudderless and without identity. If they can carry their recent form into the new campaign, the Europa Conference League winners could become dark horses for the Premier League title and other honours. It's a bold statement — but to put their run into perspective, Chelsea have only lost two of their past 15 matches in all competitions. That includes a statement win over Arne Slot's Liverpool, albeit a Reds side that may already have been in holiday mode. While the jury is still out on the Fifa showcase in the US — especially in the UK — there is no denying that something special is brewing in west London. There's even a case to be made for installing Chelsea as favourites to challenge Liverpool, particularly with Manchester City's recent struggles and perennial runners-up Arsenal's continued failure to make the leap. That said, it's hard to look beyond a repeat success for the Merseyside outfit. Fifa's big show — but at what cost? The sublime display from the Stamford Bridge outfit in the final will have delighted their fans. But as a spectacle, the showpiece itself left much to be desired — and raised uncomfortable questions ahead of next year's expanded Club World Cup. The half-time show, for one, dragged on interminably and raised fears about the creeping Americanisation of the beautiful game. The extended closing ceremony had already caused a delayed kick-off, and one can only imagine the frustration in the dressing rooms as players were made to wait for the show — or charade — to end. It seems we are not far off from a time when the headline act at football finals is the half-time entertainment, not the footballers — as has long been the case in American football. Perish the thought.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump takes part in Club World Cup ceremony, stays front and center for Chelsea's trophy lift
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — President Donald Trump took part in the trophy presentation at Sunday's Club World Cup final, and hung around next to Chelsea captain Reece James for the initial lift of the trophy after Chelsea's 3-0 rout of Paris Saint-Germain. Trump, who was booed by a significant number of fans here at MetLife Stadium as he walked onstage for the postgame ceremony, initially carried the trophy to James alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Advertisement Then, in a departure from previous soccer tournaments, Trump remained standing next to James. After a brief exchange of words between the two and Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez — and with others, including Cole Palmer, confused behind them — James lifted the trophy with Trump still front and center, and Infantino a few places away. "Before, they told me he was going to present the trophy, and then exit the stage," James said of Trump afterward. "I thought that he was gonna exit the stage. But I think he wanted to stay." Palmer, speaking at a postgame news conference, said: "I knew [Trump] was going to be here, but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand where we lift the trophy, so I was a bit confused." Advertisement Trump clapped and smiled, then hugged and shook hands with Infantino, as Chelsea players jumped up and down. The two presidents then moved to the back of the stage, and eventually exited, as Chelsea players lifted the trophy again and again, with a fireworks show continuing behind them. It is standard for the head of state of a World Cup host country to be involved in trophy presentations. But typically, they give victorious players the stage to themselves for the trophy lift. In Qatar, for example, Infantino and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari Emir, presented the World Cup trophy to Lionel Messi. They then stayed off to the side as Messi carried the trophy to a place in front of his Argentina teammates, and lifted it. FIFA drew criticism that night for allowing Al Thani to drape a traditional Qatari cloak around Messi, and having Messi wear the cloak during the first part of the celebrations. President Donald Trump lingers during Chelsea's trophy lift. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) At the Club World Cup, though, Infantino and Trump went a step further — a sign of their friendship, and the lengths to which Infantino will go to appease Trump, theoretically in exchange for help from the U.S. government in organizing this Club World Cup and next year's 2026 World Cup. Advertisement Infantino has called the relationship "absolutely crucial." He has visited the Oval Office several times, including for the first meeting of the White House's 2026 World Cup Task Force, an inter-agency group that Trump established in March to assist with World Cup planning. Other members of the task force, and of Trump's cabinet — including U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem — were also in attendance at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Vice President J.D. Vance attended an earlier Club World Cup match in Cincinnati, but Sunday's game was the first that Trump attended. Security measures were tightened, with Secret Service agents stationed around the stadium grounds. Trump arrived in the hour before kickoff. He watched the game from a midfield suite next to Infantino. He was shown briefly on in-stadium video boards prior to the U.S. national anthem — which was played about 10 minutes before kickoff, a departure from previous games — but most fans didn't notice him. There was only a smattering of boos and whistles. Advertisement Trump was then more visible during the trophy ceremony. Boos erupted when he was first shown on the field, and drowned out any cheers. A few more rounds of boos and whistles greeted his image the next few times it was shown on video boards. Chelsea players and coach Enzo Maresca mostly gave apolitical, basic answers when asked about Trump's involvement in the postgame proceedings. "It probably highlights how important the tournament is," James said.
