He Won Spain the World Cup, Now He's Asking Trump for One Last Favour

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila , a key member of the country's historic 2010 FIFA World Cup-winning squad , has made an emotional public appeal to US President Donald Trump after being denied permission to enter the United States ahead of Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey.

The 48-year-old, who started in Spain's memorable 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final and also helped the nation win the 2008 UEFA European Championship, revealed that his application under the United States' Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) had been rejected.

Taking to social media platform X, Capdevila wrote, "I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!" , urging the US President to intervene. He also tagged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Spain's Ministry of Sport, expressing his hope of joining his former 2010 teammates in supporting the current Spanish team from the stands during the title clash.

The issue appears to stem from Capdevila's participation in an exhibition football match in Tehran around a decade ago. He was part of a Spanish La Liga legends team that played against an Iranian all-star side.

Under US visa waiver regulations, travellers who have visited Iran after March 1, 2011 , are generally not eligible for ESTA and must instead obtain a regular visa before travelling. While Spain is among the countries covered by the visa waiver programme, previous travel to certain nations, including Iran, can require additional visa procedures.

With kickoff fast approaching, Capdevila now faces an anxious wait, hoping his public appeal can help him witness Spain's bid for another World Cup crown from inside the stadium rather than from afar.