Could Gianni Infantino really become UN Secretary General if Trump puts him forward?

Could Gianni Infantino Become UN Secretary General?

Usagevpn.com – Could Gianni Infantino really become the next UN Secretary General? With Donald Trump's potential endorsement, the FIFA president is emerging as an unexpected candidate for the world's top diplomatic post. According to The New York Post, the American president considers Infantino a "respected" contender, praising his "special ability to bring people together" demonstrated through the successful 2026 World Cup. However, presidential support alone won't secure the position, especially since Infantino lacks conventional diplomatic experience.

Neither party has officially confirmed any candidacy yet. If a nomination occurs, it would trigger a complex selection process requiring broad international backing. Infantino must navigate carefully to avoid alienating Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom—each holding permanent Security Council seats capable of blocking his path.

How the UN Selection Works

The Secretary General appointment involves the 193-member General Assembly, but only after Security Council recommendation. This selection happens within a smaller group of fifteen nations—ten rotating members plus five permanent ones—during private deliberations. Every candidate needs nomination from at least one UN member state and must present their vision during public hearings, answering questions from ambassadors and civil society representatives.

After hearings, the Council conducts several confidential straw polls before finalizing a recommendation. Any of the five permanent members—the United States, China, Russia, France, or the United Kingdom—can veto a candidacy, making geopolitical acceptability as important as formal qualifications. The General Assembly's subsequent approval usually serves as a formality, though it could theoretically reject the recommended candidate, a scenario never seen in UN history.

António Guterres is preparing to leave his position at year's end after serving two consecutive terms, intensifying the competition. The Security Council is expected to start evaluating candidates by late July. A "UN Town Hall: The Next Secretary-General" discussion will take place Thursday afternoon in New York with all active contenders. Notably, there's no strict nomination deadline, so the United States or any other country could formally propose Infantino anytime during the process.

Who Are the Contenders?

Seven individuals have emerged as potential successors, with one already stepping aside. Virginia Gamba, formerly the UN special representative for the protection of children in armed conflict, initially received a proposal from the Maldives but withdrew her candidacy.

Michelle Bachelet stands out as one of the most recognizable names. The left-wing former Chilean president and ex-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights brings decades of diplomatic experience, though her vocal opposition to authoritarian regimes may create divisions. While Chile's conservative administration under José Antonio Kast withdrew its endorsement, Bachelet continues competing with support from allied leaders in Mexico and Brazil.

Mariano Grossi, currently leading the International Atomic Energy Agency, represents Argentina primarily for his diplomatic efforts securing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant during Ukraine's conflict. Other prominent figures include former Senegalese president Macky Sall (nominated by Burundi), Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis who heads the UN Trade and Development department (nominated by Costa Rica), and former foreign ministers María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés of Ecuador and Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett of Guyana, both endorsed by their respective governments.

According to an established geographical rotation custom, the UN secretary-general position alternates among continental representatives, suggesting that Infantino, as a European, faces diminished prospects following Portuguese Guterres. Additionally, numerous governments advocate for appointing the first female secretary-general, noting that all ten predecessors have been male. Although the UN Charter doesn't mandate diplomatic experience for the leadership role, Infantino might confront criticism regarding his suitability, particularly considering his documented governance controversies.

"The US President sees Infantino as someone who can unite diverse stakeholders," according to sources familiar with the discussions.