Gianni Infantino reportedly has Donald Trump's backing for top UN job

US President Donald Trump reportedly wants FIFA president Gianni Infantino to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations.

A source close to Trump has said the president believes Infantino has the ability to bring people together as he is respected around the world, per New York Post.

The news comes as the current UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to step down at the end of the year after serving two five-year terms.

His replacement must be nominated by a member state, approved by the UN Security Council and confirmed by the General Assembly.

Trump's special envoy for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli, also backed the idea and said Infantino would do "a great job" as he is "liked by everybody."

He also added that leading FIFA is similar to leading the United Nations because both involve working with more than 190 member countries.

“At the United Nations, you have to deal with 193 member states. In FIFA, there are over 200 members [and] Gianni’s great record shows he knows how to manage.”

Infantino has led FIFA since 2016, but his time in charge has also drawn criticism from around the world.

It is also pertinent to mention that Trump and Infantino have developed a close relationship in recent years.

Last December, Infantino presented Trump with FIFA's first Peace Prize and praised his efforts to promote peace.

Their friendship made headlines again during the 2026 World Cup.

Earlier in the tournament, Trump said he contacted Infantino after US player Folarin Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA later overturned the decision, allowing Balogun to play in the next match.

The two were also seen together at the World Cup final on July 19 as Trump, his family and Infantino watched the match together from a suite at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.