During a formal visit to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump caught everyone off guard when he unexpectedly questioned whether women had ever played for Juventus, Italy’s top football club. The Juventus women’s team, despite its major accomplishments, seemed to come as a surprise to the former president.
The visit, which included American players Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie, was part of the Club World Cup activities taking place across the United States. It was meant to be a light diplomatic and sporting moment, but things quickly turned unusual.
While standing with players behind him during a press briefing, President Trump shifted the topic from serious issues like Iran to a sudden football-related question. Turning to the team, he asked, “Have any women played for Juventus?”
The room went quiet. Players looked around, some giving awkward half-smiles, unsure of how to answer. There was visible hesitation, with no immediate response.
Trump then turned to club director Damien Comolli, who answered calmly, “We have a very good women’s team.”
Apparently unaware of the team’s success, Trump added, “Oh really? But they should play against women,” referencing the ongoing political conversation around transgender athletes in women’s sports. He looked to the media and said, “You see, they’re being very diplomatic.”
Despite the confusion at the press event, the Juventus women’s team has been performing exceptionally well. The team has recently won both the Italian league and the domestic cup, marking one of its most successful seasons yet.
The club’s women’s division has grown steadily over recent years and has become a symbol of progress in Italian football. Their wins speak for themselves, but the moment at the White House suggests that not everyone has caught up.
The visit was meant to highlight international friendship and sporting excellence, but the conversation took a political turn. Trump’s remarks on gender in sports connected with his broader stance, especially after signing an executive order that restricts transgender women from participating in female sports categories.
This mix of light-hearted sports diplomacy with serious geopolitical and cultural topics raised some eyebrows, especially given the administration’s focus on Iran and international policy shifts.
President Trump has made similar remarks before. The question about the Juventus women’s team seems to reflect his ongoing narrative about fairness in women’s sports. Whether it was intentional or just off-the-cuff, the remark stirred conversation online and added an unexpected angle to what was meant to be a straightforward press opportunity.
The episode also highlighted a disconnect between sport and politics. While Juventus came to celebrate football and camaraderie, they found themselves at the center of a gender policy debate.
