In a surprising moment at a major football event, former US President Donald Trump has floated the idea that the National Football League (NFL) should consider rebranding.
A Light-Hearted Proposal on a Global Stage
The suggestion came while Mr Trump was sharing the stage during the highly anticipated draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The conversation naturally turned to the enduring transatlantic debate over the terms 'football' and 'soccer'. After commending the growing impact of football—or soccer—in the United States, Trump made his playful yet pointed remark.
"We never call it football as we seem to have a conflict on another thing called football," he stated, directly referencing the NFL. "When you think about it, it shouldn't be called football, this is football," he added, gesturing to the World Cup context. He concluded, "We have to come up with another name for the NFL, it really doesn't make sense when you think about it."
Context and Praise for FIFA
The incident occurred on Friday 5 December 2025. The event also saw Mr Trump receive a newly-created peace prize from his friend, FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Later in his appearance, the former president shifted to praising football's global governing body for its successful ticket sales ahead of the tournament next summer.
Implications of a Name Change Hint
While the comments were delivered in a jovial tone, they have ignited fresh discussion about the cultural divide in sports terminology. The NFL, a behemoth of American sports and entertainment, has never seriously entertained altering its iconic name. Trump's suggestion, made on an international platform, highlights the unique position the US holds in using 'football' for a predominantly hand-based sport.
Analysts suggest such remarks, even when light-hearted, can influence public discourse. The proposal is unlikely to result in any official action from the NFL, but it serves as a memorable footnote from the World Cup draw proceedings, blending sports, politics, and global culture in a single moment.
