Cristiano Ronaldo attended a prestigious black-tie dinner at the White House on Tuesday, where he joined Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and former US President Donald Trump, along with several prominent business leaders, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
During the event, Trump expressed his enthusiasm about meeting the football superstar, noting that his son, Barron Trump, now holds him in higher esteem after their encounter. “My son is a big fan of Ronaldo. And Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you,” Trump shared with the guests.
Ronaldo, who transferred to Al Nassr in 2023 and has since become synonymous with the Saudi Pro League, was accompanied by his fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez. His move is part of a broader trend where high-profile European footballers are signing lucrative contracts in Saudi Arabia, with clubs funded by the country’s sovereign wealth fund chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The White House released a video on social media the following day featuring Ronaldo and Trump, captioned: “Two Goats.” Previously, Ronaldo has expressed admiration for Trump, emphasizing his influence on global matters. “One of the most important guys is the US president. If we can help each other to make this happen,” Ronaldo stated. “He is one of the guys I wish to meet to sit and have a nice talk. Whether it is here, or in the US, wherever he wants, I know he was here in Saudi with our boss MBS. I wish one day to meet him because he is one of the guys who can make things happen and I like people like that,” he added.
Ronaldo’s ties to the US were also spotlighted in July when European Council President Antonio Costa presented Trump with a Portugal jersey signed by Ronaldo, which included a note that read: “To President Donald J. Trump, Playing for Peace.”
This visit marked Ronaldo’s first trip to the US since 2016. He is preparing for a record sixth FIFA World Cup, which will take place next year and be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, alongside his longtime rival, Lionel Messi.
