At the Gaza peace summit held in Egypt on Monday, former US President Donald Trump made his feelings clear about Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour. The brief exchange between the two men drew attention not just for its diplomatic context, but for Trump’s characteristically blunt 12-word remark that revealed both admiration and jest toward the Emirati billionaire.
Trump’s Remark at the Gaza Peace Summit
World leaders convened in Cairo for a major diplomatic meeting aimed at securing long-term peace in Gaza, following a newly brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The truce, mediated through the efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, marked a critical step toward halting months of conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.
Among those present was Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the vice and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates — and globally recognized as the owner of Premier League giants Manchester City.
Also in attendance were Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
As world leaders gathered for official photographs, Trump and Mansour exchanged a few brief words. In a moment caught on camera, the former US President turned to Mansour and said with a smile:
“A lot of cash, unlimited cash… And he’s a good man, too!”
The 12-word quip immediately drew reactions from observers. Though lighthearted, it summed up Trump’s well-known fascination with wealth and influence — as well as his apparent respect for Mansour’s business and political stature.
Mansour, known for his composed demeanour, acknowledged Trump’s comment with a courteous nod. The brief interaction served as one of the more memorable moments from a summit otherwise dominated by serious discussion on geopolitical and humanitarian issues.
Sheikh Mansour’s Expanding Global Influence
While Sheikh Mansour’s ownership of Manchester City remains one of the most transformative moments in football history, his global profile extends far beyond the sport. His attendance at the Gaza peace summit reflected his diplomatic responsibilities and his prominent role within the UAE government.
As vice and deputy prime minister, Mansour oversees numerous strategic portfolios and has significant influence in several Emirati institutions. Through the Abu Dhabi United Group, he holds senior positions within the UAE Central Bank, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and the Mubadala Investment Company.
These institutions form the backbone of the UAE’s economic and financial strategy, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and resource-rich economies.
Mansour first rose to international prominence in 2008, when his Abu Dhabi United Group completed the purchase of Manchester City Football Club.
At the time, the acquisition was seen as a bold move that would reshape the footballing landscape — and it did. Under his ownership, City transformed from a mid-table Premier League side into one of the most dominant football clubs in the world.
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The club’s investment strategy has been both ambitious and meticulous, focusing on world-class talent, infrastructure, and youth development.
Since Mansour’s takeover, City have won multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League, establishing themselves as a modern football powerhouse.
His influence also extended to the creation of the City Football Group, a global network of clubs spanning multiple continents, from New York City FC in the United States to Melbourne City in Australia. This unprecedented expansion not only increased the club’s global visibility but also redefined what modern football ownership could achieve.
