Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo attended a White House dinner hosted by President Donald Trump, who praised the athlete and revealed that his son Barron is a big fan. The event, which also honored Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighted the strengthening ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia through sports and diplomacy, underscoring Ronaldo’s role as a global icon in Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts.
The black-tie dinner took place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and served as a platform for reinforcing U.S.-Saudi relations. Trump used his speech to commend Saudi Arabia as a “major non-Nato ally,” emphasizing the strategic partnership between the two nations. Ronaldo’s presence, alongside the crown prince, illustrated how sports figures are increasingly woven into international diplomacy, with the Portuguese forward acting as a key ambassador for Saudi initiatives in tourism and economic diversification.
During the event, Trump personally acknowledged Ronaldo, stating, “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 that I’ve introduced you.” This light-hearted remark resonated with the audience, which included high-profile business leaders like Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. Their attendance reflected the broader interest in Saudi investment opportunities and the blending of sports, politics, and commerce at the gathering.
Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has become a central figure in Saudi Arabia’s push to reduce its reliance on oil revenues. His move to the kingdom in 2023 came with a reported annual salary of $200 million, and he recently signed a two-year contract extension worth $400 million, making him football’s first billionaire according to Bloomberg. This substantial investment is part of a strategy often criticized as ‘sportswashing,’ where sports are leveraged to improve a country’s image amid ongoing human rights concerns.
The dinner also provided a backdrop for discussions on future sporting events, particularly the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Ronaldo is expected to represent Portugal in his sixth World Cup appearance, a record he shares with Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Trump has been actively involved in tournament preparations, recently announcing the ‘FIFA Pass’ initiative to streamline visa processes for international fans, aiming to ensure the event’s success and accessibility.
Ronaldo’s visit to the White House marked his first known trip to the United States since 2016, following a period where he faced allegations of sexual assault, which he denied and were not prosecuted. His re-emergence in the U.S. spotlight aligns with preparations for the 2026 World Cup and potential friendly matches, such as a rumored Portugal vs. USA game in Atlanta. This re-engagement signals a new phase in his career and the evolving landscape of global sports.
Beyond football, Ronaldo has embraced his role as an ambassador for Saudi tourism, participating in events that promote the kingdom’s development projects and its bid for the 2034 World Cup. He has publicly referred to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “our boss,” highlighting his integration into Saudi’s vision. The crown prince’s visit included bilateral meetings focused on economic cooperation and regional stability, with sports serving as a soft power tool to foster deeper international relationships.
In conclusion, the White House dinner not only celebrated diplomatic ties but also demonstrated how athletes like Ronaldo can influence cross-cultural engagements. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in sports and the U.S. supports global events like the World Cup, such collaborations may shape future international relations, with sports acting as a bridge between nations and a catalyst for economic and cultural exchange.
