The New York Post reported that US President Donald Trump wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to be the next UN Secretary-General.

The newspaper said that Infantino, 56, strengthened his ties with Trump during the organization of this year's World Cup, where he went out of his way to win Trump's favor and involvement, even awarding him the inaugural FIFA Peace Award in December. Trump believes Infantino 'is respected by everyone around the world and recognizes his unique ability to unite people,' according to a source close to Trump told the New York Post.

Infantino presents the FIFA Peace Award to US President Donald Trump during the draw ceremony for the 2026 World Cup (Reuters)

The next Secretary-General will be elected this year to replace Antonio Guterres, who will retire at the end of December.

To secure the post, Infantino would need the endorsement of the 15-member Security Council — where the five permanent members have veto power — followed by confirmation by the General Assembly.

It is unclear whether Infantino wants the job, and to what extent Trump has discussed the matter with him, but he sees an opportunity among a group of candidates that one insider described as seven 'weak' ones.

President of the International Federation of Association Football Gianni Infantino (AP)

Among the leading contenders are former Socialist President of Chile Michelle Bachelet, who might face US opposition, and Argentine Rafael Grossi, current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who might face concerns from the UK over the disputed Falkland Islands.

Trump's idea would change expectations of selecting a candidate from Latin America or the Caribbean — a region last represented by Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar of Peru between 1982 and 1991.

But sources indicate that the informal geographic rotation would not necessarily prevent Infantino, and that he could receive other nominations in addition to Trump's endorsement.

President of the International Federation of Association Football Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump present the cup to Spain's Rodri after the final match of the FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina (AP)

Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American businessman and diplomat who serves as President Trump's Special Envoy for Global Partnerships, told the New York Post: 'Only President Trump could come up with such a brilliant idea.'

Zampolli added that Infantino 'would do a fantastic job' and is 'loved by everyone,' describing him as capable of injecting new energy into the vast bureaucratic machinery and using sports to build new bridges and inspire the world's youth and poor.

Zampolli, a personal friend of Infantino, explained that 'there are some similarities' between the positions of FIFA president and UN Secretary-General.

He added: 'At the UN, you have to deal with 193 member states. At FIFA, there are more than 200 member states, and Gianni's track record shows he is good at managing.'