​United States President Donald Trump has been a dominant figure in the 2026 FIFA World Cup narrative, particularly after his contentious role in FIFA’s decision to overturn the suspension of USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. Yet, amid the global spotlight, one international soccer star appears to have a notably positive rapport with Trump. Earlier this week, Trump revealed that he had previously played a round of golf with England captain Harry Kane, adding, “I like him a lot.” On Friday, Kane corroborated the outing and offered several glowing remarks about the president. The combination of Trump’s already controversial profile and his high-profile World Cup presence over the past weeks, alongside Kane’s praise, sparked a wave of backlash.
In a press conference last week, Trump spoke warmly of England’s star striker Harry Kane, saying the two had golfed together in the past. “I think Kane is a great player,” Trump told reporters. “I played golf with him, and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer, too. He’s really great.” His remarks came not long after Kane converted a penalty that helped England defeat Mexico in the Round of 16 and push the team into the quarterfinals.
Speaking to reporters on Friday ahead of England’s quarterfinal clash with Norway, Kane confirmed the golf partnership, describing the moment as a “surreal experience.” “We played about 18 months ago,” Kane said. “He invited me down in Palm Beach. When the President invites you somewhere, it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and play golf with him.” Kane also praised Trump’s golfing ability, noting his own hope to reach a similar level of skill as he ages. “His golf is really good, to be honest with you,” Kane added. “I hope I can play golf as well as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure.”
Trump marked his 80th birthday last month with a high-profile UFC event staged on the White House lawn to celebrate the occasion. Kane later described the round as a “unique experience” and expressed gratitude for the invitation to play. Kane’s confirmation of the golf outing, coupled with his favorable remarks about Trump, provoked widespread outrage. Some critics argued that footballers should distance themselves from political figures, while others condemned the ease with which athletes can be drawn into such juxtapositions.
Prominent voices in sports media joined the chorus of disapproval. One noted journalist questioned the integrity of footballers who publicly flatter political figures, arguing that Kane’s remarks felt more about optics and exposure than sport. The debate extended beyond individual opinions, reflecting broader concerns about how athletes navigate the overlap between sports and politics in a highly polarized era.
As the World Cup continues to unfold, the tension between celebrity admiration and principled caution remains a live issue. For some fans, Kane’s admission of the golf outing is a harmless anecdote about a memorable meeting; for others, it signals a troubling trend of athletes aligning themselves with political figures regardless of context. The conversation underscores the complexity of public loyalty, the impact of personal associations on a player’s image, and the ongoing scrutiny athletes face when their personal experiences intersect with global events.