Washington: Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo was among the high-profile guests attending a White House black-tie dinner on Tuesday night, appearing alongside Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the latter’s official visit to Washington.
The event, hosted by US President Donald Trump, comes as Saudi Arabia continues its push to diversify its economy beyond oil through major investments in global sport, tourism, and entertainment. Ronaldo, who has become the face of Saudi Arabia’s sporting transformation since joining Al Nassr, was highlighted by Trump as a symbol of the kingdom’s growing international influence.
Speaking before the dinner, Trump said it was an “honour” to welcome Ronaldo to the White House, adding that the Portuguese star’s profile in Saudi football aligns with the crown prince’s broader modernisation vision.
A White House official confirmed earlier that Ronaldo would attend the dinner, though it remains unclear whether he was formally part of the Saudi delegation.
During his remarks, Trump praised the deepening relationship between Washington and Riyadh, describing Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally.” He also shared a light-hearted moment with guests, noting that his son Barron was thrilled to meet Ronaldo.
“My son is a big fan of Ronaldo,” Trump said. “He respects me a little more now that I introduced him.”
Also present at the high-profile gathering was Elon Musk, marking his first return to the White House since stepping down from a government advisory role earlier this year. Musk joined other business leaders, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, amid renewed interest in US–Saudi business partnerships.
Ronaldo’s rare visit to the US
Cristiano Ronaldo’s appearance marks one of his first significant public visits to the United States since 2016. In recent years, he has continued to maintain global relevance both on and off the field.
The article notes that Ronaldo previously faced a sexual assault allegation dating back to 2009, which he denied. US prosecutors declined to pursue charges in 2019, stating the claims could not be proven.
A lucrative Saudi chapter
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in early 2023 in a record-breaking contract that reportedly paid him $200 million per year, making him one of the highest-earning athletes in the world. In June, he extended his stay with a new two-year agreement reportedly worth $400 million, pushing his estimated net worth to $1.4 billion, according to Bloomberg—making him football’s first billionaire player.
Despite being 40, Ronaldo remains central to Saudi Arabia’s global sporting ambitions. Analysts say the kingdom has poured billions into sport to strengthen its global image and diversify its economy.
Ronaldo has previously referred to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “our boss,” and earlier this month spoke at a Ministry of Tourism event in Riyadh, praising Saudi Arabia’s development projects and voicing support for the kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo hopes meeting Trump leads to ‘peace’
Ronaldo has expressed admiration for Trump, telling Piers Morgan that he hoped to meet the US president personally one day to discuss global issues.
In July, European Council President Antonio Costa presented Trump with a Portugal jersey signed by Ronaldo, inscribed with the message: “Playing for Peace.”
“I think he can make things happen,” Ronaldo said in a previous interview. “I respect people like that.”
As Saudi Arabia strengthens its global outreach and the US continues engaging with key strategic partners, Ronaldo’s presence at the White House underscores his evolving role far beyond the football pitch.
