Incomprehensible!

Luxury chef kissed the World Cup - but Messi ignored "Salt Bae"

Created: 12/21/2022 13:09

At the World Cup final, the out of place performance of restaurateur Nusret Gökçe aka "Salt Bae" surprised the Argentinian players and spectators.

Doha – The final of the World Cup was a sporting highlight for many football fans.

Argentina also clinched the title thanks to a superb Lionel Messi on penalties, which caused emotional scenes at home and on the pitch.

However, the celebrating players of the Albiceleste were joined by a celebrity, “Salt Bae” Nusret Gökçe, who didn't really fit into the picture, let alone the winning team.

The star chef even kissed the trophy - an absolute no-go.

World Cup final: restaurants run by luxury restaurateur Nusret Gökçe are popular with soccer players

The Turkish restaurateur Gökçe is actually known for his luxury restaurant chain, the "Nusr-Et" is available in Turkey, the USA, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, among other places.

"Salt Bae" became well known through social media in particular, on the one hand for his special way of salting the meat and on the other hand for the many photos and videos with well-known personalities that he hosts in his restaurants.

The chef also photographed himself with Munich kickers, the most well-known being the video of ex-FC Bayern star Franck Ribéry, who caused a stir with a 1,200-euro gold steak.

His former colleagues Robert Lewandowski and Kingsley Coman have also dined with the man with the characteristic ponytail and sunglasses, who apparently loves to stage himself.

Same with the World Cup final.

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World Cup final: Nusret Gökçe was on the pitch with Argentina after the final whistle

Gökçe has ties to Gianni Infantino, with the FIFA President posing in videos at an offshoot of the Nusr-Et restaurants and in photos with the 39-year-old.

Through his connections, he also made it onto the field after the game, where he wanted to celebrate the title with the Argentines.

However, he put himself in the center of attention.

As can be seen from numerous videos and pictures from Sunday evening, Gökçe not only allowed himself to be photographed with a large number of players.

He also unabashedly grabbed and even kissed the World Cup trophy – contrary to FIFA regulations, which have clear rules for touching the iconic trophy.

Actually, only World Cup winners and “former winners of the FIFA World Cup and heads of state” are allowed to touch the almost 40 centimeter high trophy.

Nusret Gökçe, also known as "Salt Bae", apparently had to put himself in the limelight when Argentina won the World Cup.

© Robert Michael/dpa/Screenshot Instagram

Nusret Gökçe: "Salt Bae" kisses the World Cup and then flashes it at Lionel Messi

But that's not all.

In a video, the restaurateur slides between the two newly crowned world champions Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez and even refuses to let Romero's little son touch the trophy.

A video clip also shows Gökçe running after Lionel Messi to congratulate him.

However, the PSG superstar first let him down, only later did he get his – somewhat forced – selfie with the Argentine captain, which he immediately posted on Instagram.

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After Nusret Gökçe's "embarrassing" appearance - a lot of criticism for the chef on the net

The reactions to Gökçe's sometimes offensive actions after the final whistle were not long in coming.

In particular, the video in which Messi ignores him several times has been shared thousands of times online.

The kiss on the trophy in particular caused outrage “Why did Salt Bae try to snatch the trophy from the Argentine players at the World Cup?

Embarrassing,” English columnist and media personality Ryan-Mark Parsons commented on the scenes.

“This is ridiculous, shame on FIFA for allowing him to touch, kiss and hold the trophy.

Salt Bae is dripping salt on meat, what is he doing?” criticizes sports presenter Terry Flewers, apparently speaking for the majority of viewers.

"Salt Bae" will probably return to salting gold steaks after the headwind.