England’s national team captain Harry Kane confirmed during a recent World Cup press conference that he was invited by United States President Donald Trump to a round of golf at the Trump National Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida. The invitation arrived roughly 18 months ago, and Kane accepted the personal call to share the fairways with the American leader.

A ‘Surreal’ Golf Experience

“When the President invites you somewhere, it feels pretty surreal,” Kane said. “I played alright, but his golf is actually quite good. I hope I can play as well as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure.” The candid remarks sparked a wave of social‑media chatter across both football and political circles.

Trump’s Ongoing Football Connections

Trump has a history of inviting high‑profile footballers to his courses or the White House. In 2019, former England star Wayne Rooney played a round with Trump and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. More recently, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami visited the White House after their MLS Cup triumph, and Juventus’ men’s squad toured the United States in 2025, meeting the president during their pre‑season promotional tour.

Controversial Interventions

The president’s involvement in football extends beyond friendly games. Earlier this year, Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn a red‑card suspension handed to US striker Folarin Balogun. The move raised eyebrows about political interference in sport’s governing bodies.

Kane’s disclosure, while centered on a personal anecdote, underscores how elite athletes now navigate a landscape where sport, diplomacy, and celebrity intersect. Such high‑profile encounters amplify football’s global reach but also invite scrutiny of the political motives behind them.