FIFA President Gianni Infantino found himself in the global spotlight once again, but this time, the reason was a high-profile endorsement from former US President Donald Trump. The incident occurred during Trump's recent visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, shifting focus from football tournaments to international diplomacy.
A Public Endorsement in the Royal Court
During a busy schedule in Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump introduced Gianni Infantino to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inside the prestigious Royal Court. Cameras captured the moment where Trump openly referred to the FIFA chief as "an excellent guy". The former US leader even joked about how good Infantino looked, adding a light-hearted note to the significant meeting.
This public shoutout brings Infantino's influential role back into news headlines, highlighting his reach beyond the world of sports into the realm of global politics and high-stakes diplomacy.
Infantino's Rise and Financial Standing
Gianni Infantino, a Swiss-Italian lawyer, began his career at UEFA before ascending to the presidency of FIFA in 2016. He has since consolidated his power, securing re-election in both 2019 and 2023. His leadership has been marked by epochal changes in global football.
As of 2025, Gianni Infantino's net worth is estimated at approximately $14 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his long tenure within football's governing bodies. His compensation package as FIFA president includes a multi-million dollar salary and bonuses, ranking him among the top-earning executives in world sports. While not on par with billionaire club owners, Infantino firmly resides in the elite tier of sports administration.
Major Football Projects and Future Vision
Under Infantino's stewardship, FIFA has greenlit several transformative projects. The most notable is the expansion of the men's World Cup to 48 teams, starting with the 2026 edition to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be the largest tournament in FIFA's history.
Infantino has also overseen the awarding of the 2030 World Cup to a tri-continental bid from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Furthermore, he has been a staunch supporter of Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup, a move that continues his strategy of expanding football's geographical footprint.
His agenda includes championing new international club competitions, bolstering youth development programs, and driving long-term investment into emerging football markets. As he moves through 2025, Infantino operates at the critical intersection of sport, major finance, and global geopolitics. His decisions significantly shape the future landscape of world football, making him one of the most pivotal figures in the sport's next era.
