Cristiano Ronaldo Attends White House Dinner Hosted by Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo made a rare appearance in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, attending a high-profile White House dinner hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump in honour of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman . The exclusive event, held in the East Room, brought together top officials, global business leaders, and major figures from both nations — including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla founder Elon Musk.

Ronaldo’s presence, seated near the front of the gathering, underscored the growing intersection between global sports, politics, and business, particularly in light of his close ties with Saudi Arabia through his club Al-Nassr, backed by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund.

Trump Acknowledges Ronaldo During Speech

During his address, President Trump made a point to acknowledge Ronaldo, expressing appreciation for the footballer’s attendance. Trump revealed that his youngest son, Barron Trump, is an ardent fan of the Portuguese superstar.

“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 said with a smile, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

Trump personally thanked Ronaldo for his presence and for what he has brought to international sport, adding that his global influence continues to inspire millions.

Ronaldo’s Ties with Saudi Arabia

The 40-year-old forward has been the face of the Saudi Pro League since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking contract worth approximately USD 200 million per year. Earlier this year, he signed a two-year extension with the Riyadh-based club, keeping him in the Saudi league until at least 2027.

Al-Nassr is majority-owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The fund has been pivotal in elevating Saudi Arabia’s global sports profile — including major investments in football, golf, and Formula 1 — as part of its broader Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy beyond oil.

Ronaldo’s attendance at the White House dinner symbolised Saudi Arabia’s growing cultural diplomacy efforts through sports, with the footballer serving as a key global ambassador.

The Crown Prince’s Visit — Renewed Ties After Diplomatic Strain

Prince Mohammed’s visit marked his first trip to the White House since diplomatic tensions escalated following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The incident severely strained U.S.-Saudi relations, with U.S. intelligence concluding that the Crown Prince likely approved the operation — a claim he has consistently denied.

Tuesday’s dinner was seen as a step toward strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, focusing on trade, investment, and strategic cooperation in the Middle East.

Ronaldo’s Rare U.S. Appearance

This was a rare visit to the United States for Ronaldo, who last played on American soil in 2014. The football star, who has spent much of his recent career in Europe and the Middle East, appeared relaxed and smiling throughout the evening.

Ronaldo’s global stardom made him a centre of attention at the dinner, with several attendees — including high-profile business leaders and diplomats — reportedly taking the opportunity to greet the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

World Cup Connection — Saudi Arabia’s 2034 Ambition

Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup was another topic that hovered over the evening. FIFA’s rapid bidding process in 2023 effectively cleared the way for Riyadh’s unopposed win.

Ronaldo, who had publicly supported Saudi Arabia’s bid last December, had said:

“After what I see, I’m more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever.”

As one of the most recognisable faces in football, Ronaldo’s endorsement added significant weight to Saudi Arabia’s campaign, aligning with its broader push to position itself as a major global sporting hub.

Ronaldo’s Upcoming World Cup and Suspension

Ronaldo is expected to compete in a record sixth FIFA World Cup next year after Portugal qualified for the 2026 tournament — jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

However, he is likely to miss Portugal’s opening group-stage match due to a suspension following his first-ever red card for the national team, received during last week’s European qualifier.

Portugal will learn its group-stage opponents during the World Cup draw on December 5, set to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, an event Trump is also expected to attend.

Trump’s Continued Association with Football

Donald Trump, who played a key role in supporting the 2026 FIFA World Cup bid for North America during his presidency, continues to maintain a visible association with the sport. A replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy — a gift from FIFA President Gianni Infantino — is displayed in the Oval Office.

At the dinner, Trump highlighted football’s global power to unite communities and economies, particularly noting the sport’s rise in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Historical Context — Ronaldo’s Legal Controversy

Though Ronaldo’s visit was mostly celebratory, some commentators revisited his controversial past. In 2017, Der Spiegel reported that the footballer had paid USD 375,000 in a confidential settlement to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009 — allegations he has consistently denied. Prosecutors ultimately decided not to file criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence.

Ronaldo’s lawyers have maintained that the encounter was consensual and that the payment did not imply guilt. The case, however, resurfaced briefly in international media during his U.S. visit.

A Symbolic Evening at the White House

The dinner — blending politics, business, and global sports — served as both a diplomatic and cultural moment. For Trump, it was an opportunity to showcase his close ties with influential global figures. For Ronaldo, it marked his first appearance at a U.S. state event, reinforcing his growing connection to the Middle East’s expanding global influence.

“It was surreal to see world leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs in the same room,” a guest was quoted saying. “Ronaldo’s presence gave the evening a touch of celebrity glamour.”