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Reports have emerged that United States President Donald Trump is considering nominating FIFA President Gianni Infantino to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to the New York Post.

The report, citing a source close to Trump, said the US president views Infantino as a globally respected figure with the ability to unite people across different regions and cultures.

“Trump believes Infantino is respected by everyone around the world and recognises he has a special ability to bring people together,” the report said.

Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, strengthened his relationship with Trump during the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The FIFA president has maintained close engagement with the US leader, including presenting Trump with FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December, according to the report.

The position of UN Secretary-General will become vacant after the end of António Guterres’ term, with a successor expected to begin a five-year mandate on January 1, 2027.

Under Article 97 of the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly following a recommendation from the UN Security Council. Any candidate must secure support from the 15-member Security Council, where the five permanent members hold veto power, before receiving approval from the General Assembly.

Infantino’s potential nomination would come amid Trump’s continued criticism of the United Nations, which he has accused of being ineffective in addressing major global conflicts. His administration has also reduced US funding to the UN and withdrawn from several UN-affiliated organisations.

The FIFA president has not publicly commented on reports regarding a possible nomination. If pursued, the move would mark an unusual transition from leading the world’s football governing body to seeking one of the highest diplomatic positions in the international system.