The New York Post reported that President Donald Trump is backing FIFA president Gianni Infantino to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, a claim that the White House has not confirmed.
What the report says about Gianni Infantino
The New York Post story says Trump believes Gianni Infantino is “respected by everyone around the world” and has a “special ability to bring people together,” citing a source quoted by the paper.
The Post’s claim is unconfirmed and has not been publicly endorsed by the White House, Fox News reported when it sought comment from officials.
According to the New York Post coverage, Paolo Zampolli, described in reporting as a Trump special envoy for global partnerships, told the paper he thinks Infantino “would do a great job” and is “liked by everybody.”
Gianni Infantino’s ties to Trump and FIFA
Published accounts note visible interactions between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump at recent World Cup events, including being seated near each other at the final at MetLife Stadium.
Reports also point to Infantino awarding Trump FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December, a public moment cited as evidence of their rapport.
News coverage indicates Trump appeared onstage to present FIFA tournament trophies at MetLife Stadium during the World Cup, a detail included in reporting on their public appearances.
Media reports have noted internal criticism of some Infantino decisions at FIFA, though specific internal disputes are not the focus of the New York Post’s nomination claim.
Gianni Infantino’s path to the UN
Any candidacy for UN secretary-general follows formal United Nations procedures and is not determined by a single country’s preference.
The Security Council recommends a candidate to the General Assembly, and final approval effectively requires enough support to avoid a veto by any of the five permanent Security Council members.
The current secretary-general, António Guterres, is expected to step down when his term ends, and reporting notes that the next secretary-general would take office on Jan. 1, 2027 if elected this year.
That means a prospective candidacy for Gianni Infantino would require diplomatic outreach and explicit backing from Security Council members before reaching the General Assembly for a vote.
Why Gianni Infantino matters for diplomacy and FIFA
A U.S.-backed candidate for the UN’s top job would signal American influence over the institution and could shape the UN’s leadership priorities if the chosen person aligns with U.S. policy views.
Placing a high-profile sport federation leader like Gianni Infantino in the UN role would also raise questions about the intersection of global sports governance and multilateral diplomacy.
Reports point out that such a move could trigger conversations within FIFA about succession and the timing of its own leadership calendar, given overlapping commitments.
The Trump administration’s past changes to U.S. engagement with UN agencies are part of the context reporters cite when assessing the potential diplomatic implications of an American-backed candidate.
What comes next for Gianni Infantino
If the Post’s account is accurate, any formal move toward a nomination would begin with diplomatic consultations among Security Council members and allied capitals before a recommendation is put forward.
Key calendar markers noted in reporting include an election later this year for the UN’s next secretary-general and the Jan. 1, 2027 start date for the next term.
Separately, March 2027 is the scheduled FIFA Congress where Gianni Infantino could decide whether to seek another term as FIFA president, a timeline that overlaps with the UN transition window.
It remains unclear whether Infantino would pursue the UN post, and published reports say FIFA did not immediately respond to requests for comment when outlets sought confirmation.
Any candidate must secure sustained international support to clear the Security Council hurdle and then the General Assembly confirmation vote.
Next steps likely include more reporting from major outlets, potential public comment from key capitals, and formal Security Council consultations if any government begins to press a candidacy.
Sources: This article is based on reporting by the New York Post and Fox News. Read the New York Post report here: New York Post. Read the Fox News story here: Fox News.
