The LA Dodgers have been invited to visit the White House by President Donald Trump, but at least one of their players won’t be there.

A seven-game victory over the Toronto Blue Jays clinched back-to-back World Series titles last November, and now the championship-winning team have the opportunity to attend a meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C.

All US championship teams make a customary appearance at the Oval Office, and the Dodgers have confirmed they’ll stop by on July 23 during a trip to the East Coast for games against the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.

Kike Hernandez Skipping White House Visit

Kim Kyung-Hoon via Reuters

Utility player Kike Hernandez appeared to confirm on social media that he wouldn’t be joining his teammates as he responded to a fan pleading ‘please don’t go to the white house’ by saying ‘I’m not’.

The 34-year-old later deleted that comment, but has now doubled down on his stance to miss the trip to the capital. He was part of the Dodgers’ team that attended the White House last year to celebrate their 2024 World Series win.

But he won’t be there this time around as he goes through the rehabilitation process to recover from a strained left oblique. Even if he wasn’t going through rehab, he claims he still wouldn’t be going, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, said he expected a lot of his players to be there, but that it was ultimately ‘an individual choice’.

He said: “I’m sure a lot of guys are going to participate and be there, and this is an individual choice. But I do expect a lot of our guys to be there.”

Roberts then went to explain how he feels the invitation is an honour and that his goal is to win championships to secure the trip. He continued:

Hernandez Didn’t Enjoy Last White House Trip

Kim Kyung-Hoon via Reuters

Hernandez made it very clear that he wasn’t too impressed by his trip to the White House in 2025. He claimed he ‘wasn’t really interested’ in speaking to President Trump and explained what the day consisted of.

He explained that there was a lot of waiting around: “We went to the White House that morning. They had us sit in a room for about three hours. Then they told us to stand up and get in line. We waited for a couple more hours. And then they took us to the stage. The guy gave his speech, and we left.”

That could well play a big role in his reluctance to go out of his way to meet the President again.

Tottenham are in talks with Manchester City over a move to sign Savinho this summer, a year after almost concluding a deal to sign the Brazilian forward.

Spurs have worked hard so far in the summer transfer window to revitalise Roberto De Zerbi‘s squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, spending more than £237million on six players thus far.

But all of the new signings have been made at the back and in midfield, with De Zerbi yet to add to his forward line.

That may be about to change, with Spurs continuing talks with City over a deal to sign the Brazilian 22-year-old.

Savinho performed well when called upon for Man City last season

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Savinho is “number one, two and three” priority for Tottenham this summer now, amid reports of interest in the likes of Rafael Leao and Cody Gakpo too.

Savinho played a bit-part role for the Citizens last season, having not been allowed to leave for north London last summer, although he did rack up 36 appearances in all competitions. However, only 14 of those were in the starting lineup. He did still manage seven goal contributions – four goals and three assists – with all but one of those goal contributions coming when he was in the XI, showing what he is capable of when trusted from the start.

And Savinho has caused a stir, suggesting he is ready to make the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a social media post on Friday night.

The City forward has been on his holidays, having not been chosen for the Brazil squad for the World Cup, as he prepares to return to pre-season. But like everyone else in football he has been taking in what has been going on in America, Canada and Mexico, with the tournament reaching the quarter-final stage this week.

Tottenham star Pedro Porro was in action on Friday night as Spain defeated Belgium in the last eight to progress to the semi-finals. And the right-back played a vital role in the victory. Speaking afterwards, he said on Instagram: “On to the semis! Proud of this crew that keeps dreaming big. One step closer.”

​​​​​​​Savinho had his say on Porro’s Spain display

Lisi Niesner via Reuters

City star Savinho was immediately in the replies. He commented: “Jogaaaaa muito fechamento.” That loosely translates to: “He plays really well, man.”

A comment of congratulations to the Spurs right-back which is curious, considering the two do not share a nationality, nor have they ever played alongside one another.

Porro did start life in England with City, joining the Premier League side in 2020, before leaving to move to Sporting CP in 2022. But there was no crossover, with Savinho not arriving at the Etihad until 2024.

Savinho may just have wanted to congratulate the Spurs man on a good performance at the World Cup, but there may be more to it than that, too.

Tributes are pouring in as South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has tragically passed away just weeks after making three appearances at the 2026 World Cup, according to The Sun.

The Mamelodi Sundowns was just 25 and had reposted an image with his girlfriend less than one day before news of his sad passing emerged.

He played three times for Bafana Bafana this summer, starting the first two matches of the tournament. Adams made nine appearances in total for South Africa.

South African Union Pays Tribute to Jayden Adams

Luc Gnago via Reuters

A statement has been released by the South African Football Players Union. “The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams,” it reads.

The emotional tribute continued: “We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.

“South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

It has been a heartbreaking few weeks for Adams’ family, who should be joyous at the fact that he had represented his country at the World Cup. After starting the first game, a loss vs Mexico, Adams was substituted at half-time of the following match against Czechia.

It had been revealed that his grandmother, Marianna, had died just 24 hours before that match. The South African Football Association said in a statement:

The midfielder then made a late appearance against South Korea, as South Africa secured a place in the knockout rounds. However, that would turn out to be his last ever game, with Adams unused in the Round of 32 loss vs Canada. He is now no longer with us, less than 14 days after that match.