‘Dad, I'm a very good ball handler’: Trump shares Barron’s confident take on his soccer skills
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump shared a humorous story about Barron Trump’s soccer skills this week, revealing how his youngest son confidently insisted that no opponent would ever get past him on the field.
The remarks came just ahead of the FIFA Men's World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, which Trump and members of his family are expected to attend.
Trump: My one son, my very tall son Barron loves soccer. He's a good soccer player. He may, I don't know, his speed might, I'm a little, you know, he's very tall. I don't know. He said, 'Dad, I'm a very good ball handler.' pic.twitter.com/k2p90wDN0b
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) July 17, 2026
Donald Trump recalls Barron Trump's confidence on the soccer field
Speaking at a FIFA Reception at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday, July 17, Trump described Barron as a talented player but admitted he has occasionally questioned whether his height and speed would affect him against elite competition.
"My very tall son. Barron loves soccer, he's a good soccer player - I don't know, his speed," the president said.
The 80-year-old then shared a conversation he said he had with Barron about facing opponents from some of the world's strongest soccer nations.
"I said when some guy gets by you from Spain, from Argentina, from France, Barron, what happens?" Trump recalled.
According to the president, Barron was quick to push back on the suggestion.
"What happens, Barron? He said, 'Dad, I'm a very good ball handler!'"
Trump said he continued to press his son, asking what would happen if an opposing player were simply faster.
"I said, but Barron, if he's faster, what do you do about it?"
Barron's answer, according to his father, was immediate: "Dad, he'll never get by me!"
Barron Trump left one question unanswered
The story did not end there. Trump told the audience that he tried one final time to challenge his son's confidence: "I said, but when he does?"
That, according to the president, was where the conversation came to a halt.
"And he didn't want to answer that question," Trump joked.
The anecdote offered a rare glimpse into the dynamic between the president and his youngest son, who has remained one of the most talked-about members of the Trump family despite keeping a relatively low public profile.
While the exchange was lighthearted, it also highlighted how highly Trump thinks of Barron's athletic abilities.
The president has repeatedly described his son as a strong soccer player and has often spoken proudly about his interests and talents.
Soccer remains a topic of interest for the Trump family
The timing of Trump's story is notable as the president and his family are expected to attend the FIFA Men's World Cup Final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium. The championship match will feature Spain and Argentina.
Trump is also expected to be on stage when the World Cup trophy is presented to the winning nation.
The president's latest comments are not the first time he has praised Barron's soccer skills.
Earlier this year, Trump described his son as "a good soccer player" while noting that the 20-year-old is unusually tall for the sport.
Barron stands 6 feet 9 inches tall, a height that often comes up in conversations whenever Trump discusses his son's athletic abilities.
"That's pretty tall," the president said earlier this year. "He's on the tall side, but it's good."
Even so, soccer may not be where Barron ultimately sees his future.
According to a source previously quoted by PEOPLE, the president's youngest son is more interested in business and entrepreneurship.