While Chelsea were lifting another trophy across the Atlantic, Noni Madueke chose a very different kind of celebration.
Instead of joining his teammates in New Jersey for the Club World Cup final, the young winger was spotted soaking up the atmosphere at Drake’s headline performance at Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park, London.
Madueke had already contributed significantly to Chelsea’s run in the tournament, making five appearances before leaving the squad early to return to the UK.
As a result, he’s still entitled to a winners’ medal—though he wasn’t there in person to collect it.
Trump Hands Out Medals as Fans Crack Jokes Online
Madueke’s absence sparked some lighthearted chatter on social media, especially when former U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly appeared on the pitch during Chelsea’s trophy presentation.
Trump was seen handing out medals and posing with players like Reece James, Cole Palmer, and Robert Sanchez.
The unusual scene led fans to jokingly suggest that Trump had taken Madueke’s medal for himself.
Even Palmer admitted he was baffled by Trump’s sudden presence, saying he didn’t understand what was going on.
Mixed Reactions to Drake’s Sunday Night Performance
Back in London, Madueke didn’t seem to mind missing the medal ceremony.
He was enjoying the final day of Wireless Festival, even though many fans felt Sunday didn’t live up to the hype of earlier performances.
Drake’s set was just 40 minutes long and featured only three guest appearances—Popcaan, Rema, and a video appearance from Vybz Kartel.
By comparison, Friday and Saturday’s shows had dazzled with appearances from big names like Lauryn Hill and Vanessa Carlton, leaving some Sunday ticket-holders feeling a little disappointed.
Madueke’s Arsenal Switch Nearing Completion
Madueke’s trip to Wireless came just as news broke of his imminent transfer to Arsenal.
The Gunners are reportedly set to sign him in a £52 million deal, with a medical scheduled for Monday.
Personal terms have already been agreed on a five-year contract.
While some Arsenal fans are thrilled, others are skeptical. A petition has even surfaced online opposing his arrival.
Still, with his ability to play on both wings, Madueke could provide much-needed depth behind Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Chelsea Exit Marks a Fresh Chapter
The move to Arsenal will bring Madueke’s short Chelsea stint to an end.
He trained with the Blues as recently as Thursday in New York, ahead of their final against Paris Saint-Germain, which they won without him.
He had also featured regularly last season, playing the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s Conference League final win over Real Betis.
Madueke originally joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £26 million.
Prior to that, he had developed through the Tottenham academy before moving to the Netherlands in 2018.
Arsenal’s Summer Transfer Window Heats Up
Madueke is not the only name Arsenal are targeting this window.
The club has already snapped up Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard.
Now, their attention has turned to Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, while talks with Sporting CP for striker Viktor Gyokeres are still ongoing.
With so much transfer activity, it’s clear the Gunners are building a squad designed for a serious title challenge next season.
Time to Prove Himself
As Madueke prepares for this new chapter in North London, he’ll be eager to prove he belongs at the top level.
Critics have pointed to his modest output so far—20 goals and 9 assists in 92 professional appearances—but at 22, there’s still plenty of time for growth.
He’ll also have one eye on the 2026 World Cup.
With competition for England’s wide positions heating up, his performances for Arsenal could be the key to convincing national team boss Thomas Tuchel he deserves a spot on the plane.
From Spurs Youth to Arsenal Rival
There’s also a twist of irony in Madueke’s journey.
He once wore the white of Tottenham as a youth player, and now looks set to don the red of Arsenal—a club that could give him the regular minutes and confidence boost he needs.
What happens next could shape the trajectory of his entire career.
And who knows?
If things go well at the Emirates, Madueke might just be the surprise package of the Premier League season.