Tottenham could be facing an awkward dressing room after the World Cup final, as Richarlison let his joy at Argentina’s defeat be known while club captain Cristian Romero snubbed a handshake from Donald Trump.
A video shared by Richarlison’s partner, Amanda Araujo, showed the Brazilian striker sliding across his lounge floor on his stomach before leaping into the air after Ferran Torres scored the extra-time winner for Spain in New Jersey on Sunday. The South American nation had been aiming to become back-to-back world champions but were second best throughout.
“Richarlison slides across floor celebrating Argentina loss; Romero refuses Trump handshake after final.”
Richarlison’s celebration stems from the fierce rivalry between Brazil and Argentina, but it may cause tension with his Tottenham teammates. The striker plays alongside Argentina defender Cristian Romero, and the pair have been joined by Marcos Senesi, who signed on a free transfer from Bournemouth.
Romero, meanwhile, was involved in a different kind of post-final drama. The Tottenham captain snubbed a handshake from Donald Trump after the match, according to footage shared online. The incident added to a fraught evening for Argentina, who also saw a brawl break out after the final whistle.
Richarlison has history with Spain midfielder Rodri, who was named player of the tournament. He previously criticised the decision to award Rodri the Ballon d’Or in 2024 instead of Brazil teammate Vinicius Jr, writing: “Vini not winning the Ballon d’Or was embarrassing.”
The 54-time capped Brazilian international scored 12 goals in 43 appearances for Spurs last season but was not named in Brazil’s World Cup squad by Carlo Ancelotti. The Selecao only reached the last 16, beaten by an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway.
With Richarlison and Romero now on opposite sides of a bitter international defeat, Tottenham’s training ground could be an icy place when the new season begins.