SerpApi.Org
Javier Bardem has praised Spain’s players for refusing to let Donald Trump become part of their World Cup celebration. The Oscar winner said he was “very proud” that his countrymen waited for Trump to leave the podium before lifting the trophy and posing for photos.
Bardem had also shown his support for Palestine during Spain’s semifinal match against France in Arlington, where he was seen waving a Palestinian flag and sharing a message of solidarity with citizens of the embattled nation.
Javier Bardem had nothing but praise for Spain’s players after their now-viral interaction with Donald Trump during the World Cup trophy presentation.
Speaking to journalist Mehdi Hasan, the Oscar winner said he was “very proud” of the squad for refusing to lift the trophy or pose for the iconic winners’ photo while Trump remained at the center of the podium.
“He wanted to be in the picture, but it was great how these players were looking at him like, ‘No, we have to make the picture without you, and until you leave we’re not taking the picture,'” Bardem said. “So, he had to leave, and I was very proud of that as well.”
The awkward moment unfolded after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino ultimately appearing to guide Trump off the stage before the celebrations finally got underway.
Bardem, Penélope Cruz Celebrate Spain’s World Cup Glory
Bardem and his wife, Penélope Cruz, celebrated Spain’s World Cup triumph long after the final whistle, with both stars sharing their excitement on social media following the historic victory over Argentina.
Bardem, who attended the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, posted a photo alongside Spanish forward Borja Iglesias proudly holding the FIFA World Cup trophy. In a heartfelt caption, the Oscar winner praised the squad for representing “the diversity of Spain” and hailed them as role models for young fans around the world.
“A group of players who represent the diversity of Spain and respect the rights of groups and people who need a voice,” he wrote before thanking the team for its “teamwork,” “unbreakable unity,” “elegance,” and “sportsmanship.”
Meanwhile, Cruz marked the occasion with a celebratory Instagram video of herself narrating a tribute video to Spain’s journey to success.
Javier Bardem Waves Palestinian Flag At World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was very much a sporting spectacle, with soccer action taking place across 104 matches in seven weeks.
However, the political expressions seen in the stands haven’t gone unnoticed, with the latest flashpoint centering on actor Javier Bardem during Spain’s 2-0 semifinal victory over France.
The Oscar winner made headlines by using the global stage to send a message of solidarity, unfurling and raising a Palestinian flag from his seat in the stadium. In a video shared by Al-Jazeera, a fan can be heard asking the “Skyfall” actor what he’d like to say to the Palestinian people, to which he simply replied, “Existence is resistance.”
Bardem Has Often Spoken Up For Palestinian Freedom
Bardem is not a rookie when it comes to activism on Palestinian issues. The actor has repeatedly used his platform to call attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and voice support for its people’s freedom.
At the March 2026 Academy Awards in Los Angeles, for instance, he opened his remarks with a declaration showing his support for the Middle Eastern nation. “No to war and free Palestine,” Bardem said, drawing strong applause from the audience, per Variety.
He also wore a “No to war” pin on his tuxedo while presenting the award for Best International Film, once again calling for peace and Palestinian freedom.
On the Emmy Awards red carpet, he further explained his stance. “Here I am today, denouncing the genocide in Gaza,” he said. “I am talking about the IAGS, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, which studies genocide thoroughly and has declared it is a genocide. That’s why we ask for a commercial and diplomatic blockade and also sanctions on Israel to stop the genocide. Free Palestine.”
Javier Bardem Backed Open Letter Over Gaza Censorship Claims
Back in February, Bardem was among more than 100 celebrities who signed an open letter criticizing the Berlin Film Festival over what they described as its “silence” on Gaza and the “censoring” of actors who spoke out.
“We write as film workers, all of us past and current Berlinale participants, who expect the institutions in our industry to refuse complicity in the terrible violence that continues to be waged against Palestinians,” the letter stated.
It continued: “We are dismayed at the Berlinale’s involvement in censoring artists who oppose Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and the German state’s key role in enabling it. As the Palestine Film Institute has stated, the festival has been ‘policing filmmakers alongside a continued commitment to collaborate with Federal Police on their investigations.'”
The Javier Bardem Praises Spain Players For Donald Trump Snub At World Cup Final first appeared on The Blast
