Overview
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented the inaugural award on stage at the Kennedy Center, giving Donald Trump a gold trophy and a medal that he placed around his own neck.
- Announced in November, the new prize is described by FIFA as recognizing individuals who unite people and bring hope to future generations.
- Trump called the distinction one of the greatest honors of his life and claimed to have helped save millions of lives, citing Congo, India and Pakistan.
- FIFA has not disclosed the nominees, judges or selection criteria, and Human Rights Watch says its request for that information has received no response.
- The ceremony included a staged draw segment with Canada’s Mark Carney and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum and a selfie with Infantino, prompting mockery from critics such as California Governor Gavin Newsom.