United States President Donald Trump is reportedly interested in seeing FIFA President Gianni Infantino become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to reports citing a source close to the U.S. President.
Eko Hot News reports that the reported proposal would place the head of world football among potential contenders for the United Nations’ highest administrative office when the position becomes vacant at the end of Antonio Guterres’ tenure.
According to the source, President Trump believes Infantino enjoys broad international respect and possesses the leadership qualities needed to unite people from different parts of the world.
The source reportedly told the New York Post that Trump considers the FIFA President to have a unique ability to build relationships and manage diverse global interests.
However, President Trump has not publicly confirmed the report or announced any official endorsement of Infantino for the United Nations position.
It also remains unclear whether Trump and Infantino have discussed the possibility privately or whether the FIFA President would be interested in seeking the role.
Infantino, 56, did not publicly respond to media requests for comment regarding the reported proposal.
Trump and Infantino have strengthened their relationship in recent years through preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The FIFA President has appeared alongside Trump at several football-related events connected to the global tournament.
Last December, during the FIFA World Cup draw held in Washington, Infantino presented President Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.
The growing relationship between both leaders has attracted attention as the United States prepares to host one of the largest sporting events in the world.
Infantino has served as FIFA President since 2016 and announced in May that he intends to seek another term when elections are held in 2027.
Paolo Zampolli, President Trump’s Special Envoy for Global Partnerships and a longtime associate of Infantino, praised the reported idea.
According to reports, Zampolli described the proposal as an innovative suggestion and expressed confidence that Infantino possesses the leadership skills required for an international organisation.
He noted that FIFA oversees more than 200 member associations, while the United Nations comprises 193 member states, arguing that both positions require experience in managing diverse global interests.
Zampolli also revealed that he recently spent time with Infantino during the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey but said they did not discuss the United Nations position.
The next Secretary-General will succeed António Guterres, whose second five-year term is scheduled to conclude on December 31.
Under the United Nations selection process, candidates must first be nominated by at least one member state before being considered by the Security Council.
The 15-member Security Council must recommend a candidate before the appointment is approved by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly.
The Security Council’s five permanent members—the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France—each have the authority to block a candidate through the veto process.
The successful candidate will assume office in January and serve a renewable five-year term as the organisation’s chief administrative officer.
Several individuals have already been identified as potential candidates for the position, including former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi, former Senegalese President Macky Sall, former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan and Argentine diplomat Virginia Gamba.
International discussions have also highlighted calls for the United Nations to consider appointing its first female Secretary-General, as no woman has previously held the position.
Some member states from Latin America and the Caribbean have also argued that the region should produce the next UN leader following the conclusion of Guterres’ tenure.
Born in Switzerland and also holding Italian citizenship, Infantino would represent an unconventional choice should he eventually enter the race for the position.
Although the report has generated global interest, no formal nomination has been announced, and the official selection process is expected to continue over the coming months before member states decide on the next leader of the United Nations.
