Donald Trump is reportedly lining up a shock new job for FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Trump, currently serving as president of the United States for the second time, has developed a close bond with Infantino in recent years.

Infantino has showered Trump with praise during that time, culminating in the US President controversially receiving FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in December.

Trump also handed out the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea in July 2025, and played a similarly prominent role during Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

The 80-year-old handed the winners and runners-up medals to both sets of players – issuing a six-word message to every Spanish player, according to a lip reader – before presenting the trophy to Spain captain and Ballon d’Or contender Rodri alongside Infantino.

Infantino was seen laughing as Trump ignored his pleas to leave the stage in order to allow Spain to celebrate their World Cup triumph. It was the latest embarrassing incident for FIFA, stemming from Infantino’s close relationship with the 45th and 47th US President.

REUTERS/Mike Segar

The most controversial moment of this summer’s showpiece tournament was FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-game suspension of USMTN forward Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia – Herzegovina in the Round of 32.

Described as an “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” decision by UEFA, FIFA made the hugely controversial call after Trump personally intervened, leading to serious questions over Infantino’s position as head of world football’s governing body.

Infantino, FIFA’s main man since 2016, is now reportedly facing a future as a “lame-duck FIFA president”, with several countries who’d previously backed him for re-election now looking to withdraw their support.

Trump Earmarks Shock New Job For Infantino

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

But it seems Infantino may already have another job lined up, thanks to his close ties with Trump.

The New York Post have exclusively revealed that Trump wants Infantino, 56, to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations (UN).

Trump believes Infantino “is respected by everyone around the world, and recognises he has a special ability to bring people together,” according to source close to the president.

The next secretary-general will be elected later this year to replace the retiring Antonio Guterres of Portugal, who is poised to step down in December.

Infantino would need to win the endorsement of the 15-member Security Council – where the five permanent members hold vetoes – followed by confirmation by the General Assembly, in order to secure the position of high-power.

The New York Post say it’s currently unclear if Infantino wants the job, while it’s also unknown to what extent Trump has discussed the topic with him.

Paolo Zampolli, the Italian-American businessman and diplomat employed as Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships, said “only President Trump could have such a genius idea.”

Zampolli insists Infantino “would do a great job” and is “liked by everybody”.

“At the United Nations, you have to deal with 193 member states,” Zampolli added.

However, one potential sticking point could be the salary. Infantino reportedly earns around $6 million (£4.5 million) as FIFA president, whereas the UN secretary-general’s reported salary is around $418,000 (£312,000).

Manchester United are eyeing up a mega-money move to raid Paris Saint-Germain for one of their star midfielders, according to Top Mercato.

The Red Devils have been prioritising a midfield rebuild all summer, and have already completed a £50m deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea alongside a £35m move for Belgium captain Youri Tielemans.

But the club are still looking for ways to further improve following the departure of Casemiro and the serious knee injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte, and they have now identified a new target that could follow them into Old Trafford.

Man Utd Ready Zaire-Emery Bid

According to a report, Man Utd are preparing a £51m bid to sign PSG sensation Warren Zaire-Emery.

Zaire-Emery, who has been described as ‘one of the best midfielders in the world’, became a regular under Luis Enrique during the 2025/26 season as they claimed a second consecutive Champions League title, with his ability to play in central midfield and at right-back a huge help.

His performances earned him a spot in the France World Cup squad, but he failed to secure a single minute in the competition before making a start in the third-placed playoff game against England, which they lost 6-4.

Man Utd have identified him as a prime target for their midfield rebuild, and are now preparing a €60m (£51m) offer to try and convince the Parisian side to part ways with their academy graduate.

However, PSG have no intention of telling their academy crown jewel, and the player still has three years, plus the option of a further 12 months, remaining on his contract. It’s unclear if Zaire-Emery would be willing to make the move, with the promise of more regular first-team football surely appealing, but United are ready to try.

Zaire-Emery a Future Superstar

While the talk is that Man Utd want a more experienced option in their midfield as their third and final arrival, Zaire-Emery is a potential market opportunity that cannot be ignored.

Despite being just 20 years old, the midfielder has been a regular at one of Europe’s top teams for several seasons now, and his qualities are exactly what United are looking for. He is excellent in possession, strong off the ball, and very good when it comes to winning possession back too.

It’s no surprise that PSG aren’t going to be willing sellers, but if there is a deal to be done, then Man Utd could do a lot worse than making their move.

Manchester United are still hunting for a new midfield star to complete their rebuild this summer, but one star has now been ruled out of the running.

The Reds have secured the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively, for a combined £85m, while Karl Darlow and young winger Tynan Thompson have also arrived to further bolster the squad.

But the midfield remains a priority for new manager Michael Carrick this summer, and the club have got a strict budget that they are working on, and that means some targets have become unattainable.

Man Utd Won’t Sign Carlos Baleba

Baleba, who has been described as ‘world-class’, is a long-term target at Old Trafford, with the club keen to sign him last summer and even going as far as agreeing personal terms over a deal.

But the Seagulls’ valuation for the Cameroon international has so far been a hurdle towards a deal being completed, and speaking to TEAMtalk, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed that that continues to be the case, with a deal highly unlikely to be completed this summer.

“What I am hearing is they want someone who can really help them defensively,” he said.

“In an ideal world they’d just sign Carlos Baleba. They absolutely love his game. Yes, he didn’t have his best season, but they still believe he’d be an outstanding fit for Manchester United.”

“United believe Baleba is worth somewhere around the £50m mark, especially after what they considered an inconsistent campaign. Brighton couldn’t disagree more.

“Even before Elliot Anderson became the most expensive British player ever (now surpassed by Morgan Rogers), Brighton were talking about figures well north of £75m and closer to £100m. That immediately puts him outside United’s thinking.”

Man Utd Missing Big Opportunity

via Reuters

While Baleba had a difficult campaign last season after having his head turned by the attention at Old Trafford, the talent that he has as a defensive midfielder is undeniable.

Man Utd are looking for a Premier League-proven defensive midfielder who excels at winning the ball back and covering ground, and there is arguably nobody better than Baleba when it comes to that criteria. Brighton were never going to let him go easily, and while United don’t want to be ripped off, sometimes you have to pay big to get the right pieces for the puzzle.

At this stage it’s unclear who Man Utd will sign, if anyone, as their third midfielder, but if it isn’t Baleba then it will be a secondary option, and that should tell you that they should just cough the money up to get their top choice in.