Nusret Gökçe, the Turkish chef known worldwide as Salt Bae, celebrated Argentina’s World Cup triumph with the exuberance of a player on the field. He stepped onto the pitch, briefly held the trophy, and posed for photos, actions that sparked controversy for violating FIFA’s long-standing norms.
According to FIFA regulations, the World Cup trophy may only be touched by members of the winning team, the FIFA president, and the heads of state. The golden goblet, crafted from 18-karat gold with malachite at the base, has changed hands only through official ceremonies since 1974, making any informal handling a serious breach of protocol. Yet Salt Bae proceeded anyway, drawing sharp scrutiny for his audacious display.
The moment also drew Lionel Messi into the fray on a lighter note, as Salt Bae pressed closer to the captain’s space and attempted to involve him in the incident. The Argentine captain appeared reluctant as he tried to depart, while Salt Bae’s approach left spectators with mixed impressions about his conduct on such a global stage.
Despite the tension, Messi did participate in a photograph with the celebrity chef, though the mood around the moment suggested a clear unease among some players. Other members of the Argentina squad, including Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Parades, and Cristian Ramirez, were seen engaging with Salt Bae in photographs, reflecting the mixed reactions to his involvement.
Even Franco Armani, the team’s goalkeeper, appeared to entertain a more playful edge by letting Salt Bae bite his medal in a moment that raised questions about consent and protocol. Whether this exchange occurred with or without explicit permission remains a point of discussion among observers.
One question persisted: how did the chef, famous for his culinary flair, obtain field access after the final? Football fans have speculated that Salt Bae’s connections, including ties with FIFA leadership, may have influenced his presence on the pitch. Some perspectives suggest influence or access stemming from relationships with high-profile figures associated with football’s governance structure.
Salt Bae’s restaurant brand has long attracted A-list patrons, and even in January 2021, FIFA’s president was photographed visiting the chef’s venue. In a short video, the president expressed admiration for the chef’s work, remarking that it was a memorable evening and hinting at a continued relationship in the future. This kind of public interaction fuels ongoing discussions about access and celebrity within major sporting events.
During the World Cup, a collaborative image from a VIP box linked Salt Bae with Infantino, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Cafu. Observers interpreted these postings as evidence of the chef leveraging his network for prestige and reach, raising questions about how accreditation is granted at football’s highest events. The discourse among fans continued online, with some labeling the posts as problematic or indicative of favoritism.
Fierce online reaction accompanied the celebrity’s posts, with social media users debating whether such appearances compromise event integrity. Salt Bae did not publicly retreat from the spotlight, sharing additional photos and videos that displayed the World Cup trophy in his possession and accompanied by Argentina’s players, reinforcing public perceptions of a breach of FIFA rules. The celebrity’s profile remains highly visible, drawing millions of followers and significant media attention.
Meanwhile, discussions about governance and accountability extended beyond social media. FIFA’s press office indicated that an investigation would explore how individuals gained unauthorized access to the field at Lusail Stadium. The organization underscored that appropriate internal action would follow once the inquiry concluded, signaling a formal process to address the breach and reinforce protocol adherence.
Salt Bae has built an international brand, with a substantial global following and high-profile pricing for his culinary experiences. His rise to fame began with a distinctive salt-sprinkling routine in 2017, which he turned into a theatrical performance—an approach that blends showmanship with culinary craft. His public persona continues to be shaped by viral videos, extensive media coverage, and a network of restaurants that attract attention from celebrities and fans alike.
Such visibility underscores the broader discussion about the intersection of celebrity culture and major sporting events. While fans celebrate memorable moments, governing bodies maintain strict rules to preserve the integrity of competition and the sanctity of the trophy. The ongoing dialogue reflects the tension between spectacle and protocol in a world where social media amplifies every action on the field and beyond, a dynamic that many see as a test of how traditions evolve in the digital age.