Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

"I don't want to go to prison" - Spain star jokes he will reluctantly shake Donald Trump’s hand after FIFA World Cup

Borja Iglesias joked he would follow FIFA’s medal-ceremony handshake rules as Spain chase a title, despite opposing Trump’s politics.

  • On Sunday, Spain forward Borja Iglesias confirmed he will reluctantly shake hands with United States President Donald Trump at the FIFA World Cup Final, stating he will follow protocol to avoid potential sanctions.
  • Strict FIFA protocol guidelines mandate participation in medal ceremonies, and players who refuse risk heavy fines, institutional sanctions, and structural bans from future international play.
  • In an interview with Panenka, the 33-year-old Celta Vigo forward noted, "I don't want to go to prison," confirming he will comply despite his opposition to Trump's politics.
  • Trump is scheduled to present the trophy at New York New Jersey Stadium, ensuring a mandatory high-profile encounter with finalists Spain and Argentina on the world stage.
  • Diplomatic friction surrounds the ceremony, given Trump's past criticism of Spain as a "wasted cause" and a "terrible partner in NATO," transforming a routine protocol into a high-stakes moment.
Insights by Ground AI

44 Articles

Center

Spain triumphs in the World Cup final. Donald Trump and Borja Iglesias are in the spotlight when it comes to trophy awards.

Far Left

The Spanish attacker ironized about his protocol meeting with the U.S. president.

·Caracas, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Read Full Article
Right

Borja Iglesias, one of the most politically significant players of the Spanish National Team, always decorated to the extreme left, starred in one of the most striking moments of the award of trophies to the world’s champions. Celta’s striker looked away at the president of the host country, Donald Trump, by shaking his hand after having received his medal from FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino. The National Team’s striker had already warned me…

·Madrid, Spain
Read Full Article
Lean Right

Borja Iglesias came to suggest that he would not greet Donald Trump if Spain proclaimed itself world champion

·Madrid, Spain
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 52% of the sources lean Right
52% Right

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Protothema broke the news in Marousi, Greece on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal