Ronaldo joins Trump, Saudi Crown Prince at White House dinner
WASHINGTON – Cristiano Ronaldo made a rare appearance in the United States on Tuesday as he attended a White House state dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump in honour of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The 40-year-old forward, who signed a two-year contract extension with Al Nassr in June, was seated near the front of the East Room alongside senior U.S. and Saudi officials, as well as prominent business leaders including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla founder Elon Musk.
Trump acknowledged Ronaldo during his remarks, noting that he had introduced the Portugal international to his youngest son, Barron, whom he described as “a big fan.” The president thanked Ronaldo for attending, joking that his son “respects his father a little bit more” after the introduction.
Ronaldo has been one of the central figures in Saudi Arabia’s high-profile investment in football since joining Al Nassr at the end of 2022 on a contract widely reported to be worth around $200 million per year. The club is majority owned by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, chaired by the crown prince.
Prince Mohammed’s visit marked his first trip to the White House since 2018, following years of diplomatic strain linked to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. U.S. intelligence agencies have said the crown prince likely approved the operation, an allegation he has denied.
Ronaldo’s presence also marked an uncommon trip stateside for the veteran forward, who has not played in the U.S. since 2014. His off-field profile has remained significant, including past legal scrutiny involving allegations stemming from an incident in Las Vegas in 2009. No criminal charges were filed, and Ronaldo has maintained the encounter was consensual.
Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup, has leaned on Ronaldo as a global ambassador for its football project. The forward publicly endorsed the nation’s bid when FIFA confirmed the tournament last year, saying he was “more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever.”
Ronaldo is expected to compete in a record sixth World Cup next year after Portugal secured qualification for the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, he is likely to miss Portugal’s opening match after receiving the first red card of his 23-year international career last week.
Portugal will discover its group-stage opponents at the draw on December 5 in Washington, an event Trump is also scheduled to attend.