Media: Trump wants FIFA chief Infantino as next UN secretary-general

US President Donald Trump wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to become the next United Nations secretary-general, according to the New York Post, citing sources close to the president.

The report says Trump believes Infantino, 56, has earned global respect through his leadership of world football and their close cooperation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is due to step down at the end of December. His successor will be chosen through a process requiring the endorsement of the 15-member UN Security Council, where the five permanent members hold veto power, followed by approval from the General Assembly.

According to the report, it remains unclear whether Infantino wants the post or whether Trump has discussed the idea with him. The newspaper says Trump sees an opportunity in what one insider described as a field of seven “lame” candidates.

Paolo Zampolli, Trump's special envoy for global partnerships and a longtime friend of Infantino, praised the proposal.

“Only President Trump could have such a genius idea,” Zampolli told the New York Post.

He added that Infantino “would do a great job” and is “liked by everybody”, arguing that his experience leading FIFA — which has more than 200 member associations — demonstrates his ability to manage a large international organisation.

The report notes that Infantino is also seeking re-election as FIFA president next March and has not publicly commented on the speculation. It adds that, despite broad support within FIFA, he has faced criticism over his ties with Trump and the US president's intervention during the recent World Cup.