negotiations, including his attempts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza. Infantino, a long-time Trump ally, had openly suggested that Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize —a recognition Trump had sought during his presidency. Handing over the prize, Infantino described it as “a beautiful medal” and told Trump he could “wear it everywhere.” Trump immediately placed the medal around his neck. The accompanying certificate praised Trump’s “efforts to promote peace and unity around the world.” Infantino also presented Trump with a personalized gold trophy depicting hands lifting the globe. “You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action, for what you have obtained in your way,” Infantino said after a video montage highlighted Trump’s meetings with world leaders and his claimed contributions to resolving global conflicts. Trump called the award “one of the great honors” of his life, adding, “The world is a safer place now.” A Departure from FIFA Tradition The peace prize marks a significant shift from FIFA’s traditional focus on football. The organization has not disclosed the selection criteria, and several senior officials reportedly learned of the award only through media reports when Infantino first mentioned it last month. Infantino’s close relationship with Trump has been notable throughout recent years. He visited the Oval Office multiple times, attended Trump’s inauguration, and FIFA even established an office in Trump Tower, underscoring an unusual level of engagement between a sports governing body and a political figure. Diplomacy and Controversy in the Background The award comes during a busy week for Trump’s administration, which has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. At the same time, the administration faces scrutiny over lethal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and increased pressure over Trump’s hardening stance on immigration. A day before the award ceremony, Infantino attended the unveiling of the renamed Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington. There, Trump joined the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in signing an agreement intended to reduce conflict in eastern Congo. Context: Nobel Peace Prize Goes Elsewhere This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado , who dedicated the honor in part to Trump for what she described as “decisive support” for her cause. Machado will receive the Nobel in Oslo on December 10.