Dana White is facing renewed backlash online after old comments about soccer resurfaced just weeks before the FIFA World Cup begins in the United States. The UFC president had strongly criticized the sport during a 2018 interview with the Calgary Sun, and those remarks are now being widely discussed again due to his close friendship with President Donald Trump ahead of the tournament.
Resurfaced Comments Spark Outrage
The World Cup is set to begin in two weeks, and Trump has been actively connected to the event as the United States prepares to welcome teams and fans from around the world. However, while soccer excitement continues to build, many fans online are revisiting White's past comments where he called soccer "the least talented sport on Earth." The resurfaced video quickly angered soccer supporters across social media platforms.
Dana White's Original Remarks
During his 2018 interview with the Calgary Sun, Dana White openly expressed his dislike for soccer. He stated, "Soccer? Whole another ballgame. Can't stand soccer, I think it's the least talented sport on Earth." White then added, "There's a reason three year olds can play soccer, okay? You run around and kick a ball." He also questioned the low-scoring nature of the game, saying, "When you're playing a game where the net is this big and the score is 3 to 1? Are you kidding me right now? Do you know how untalented you have to be to score three points when the net is this big?"
Social Media Reactions
After those comments returned online this week, soccer fans strongly reacted on X. One user wrote, "What an idiot. Soccer players are by far the best all round athletes of all sports." Another fan posted, "Wait till he finds out running is a sport and fishing too. It's not about doing something simple. It's about doing it better than everyone else." A different user criticized White by saying, "I would rather my kids learn teamwork and discipline from soccer than what he promotes."
Timing and Trump Connection
The timing of the backlash has drawn extra attention because White and Trump are expected to remain closely linked during the World Cup period. According to Time Magazine, White previously spoke about supporting Trump publicly even when people around him advised against it. White told the magazine, "Everybody said, 'Don't do it.' The bigger one was, 'He's never gonna win.' But whether he wins or not, the guy's been a good friend to me." Their friendship goes back many years. Trump hosted early UFC events at his Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, and White later spoke at the Republican National Convention during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
Upcoming UFC Event at White House
Meanwhile, White is also planning to host a UFC event outdoors at the White House during the same week the World Cup begins in the United States. This has further fueled discussions about the intersection of sports, politics, and celebrity endorsements.
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