According to a report, Trump believes Infantino is a globally respected figure with a unique ability to bring people together.
The proposal comes as the United Nations begins the process of selecting a successor to current Secretary-General, António Guterres, whose second term is expected to end on December 31, 2026.
Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is reportedly viewed by Trump as a dynamic outsider who could bring a different approach to the leadership of the international organisation.
The FIFA President has also developed a close relationship with Trump during preparations for and the hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, Infantino has not publicly indicated that he is interested in becoming the UN Secretary-General.
The process of appointing the next UN chief is already underway. The United Nations says candidates must be nominated by a member state or group of member states, after which they submit a vision statement, curriculum vitae and campaign financing disclosures.
The UN Security Council will recommend a candidate for appointment, while the General Assembly will make the formal appointment.
The current list of candidates includes former Chilean President, Michelle Bachelet, who was nominated by Chile, Brazil and Mexico before Chile later withdrew its nomination; former UN General Assembly President, María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés; International Atomic Energy Agency Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi; former UN Secretary-General Deputy, Rebeca Grynspan; Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett; and former Senegalese President, Macky Sall.
The appointment of a new Secretary-General is expected to take place in late 2026, ahead of Guterres’ departure at the end of the year.
Trump’s reported support for Infantino would, however, face significant hurdles, as the appointment requires a recommendation from the UN Security Council before approval by the General Assembly.
The report said it remains unclear whether Infantino is interested in the position.
