Sports

Ronaldo dines with Trump, Saudi Crown Prince at the White House

Cristiano Ronaldo, Tuesday night, joined U.S. President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and a select group of political and business heavyweights for a black-tie dinner at the White House.

The event marked a rare intersection of global sport and high-level power networking.

It drew an exclusive roster that included FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Apple CEO Tim Cook, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, billionaire Elon Musk, and dozens of business leaders.

Ronaldo’s presence quickly became one of the evening’s most talked-about moments, particularly after Trump revealed that he had introduced the Portuguese star to his teenage son.

“My son is a big fan of Ronaldo,” Trump said. “Barron got to meet him and I think he respects his father a little bit more now.”

The purpose of Ronaldo’s trip to Washington was not immediately clear, though it aligned with Bin Salman’s official engagements at the White House. Guests familiar with the planning described the dinner as an informal setting for candid conversations on business, global investment, technology, and the rising influence of sports in international affairs.

Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is expected to feature for Portugal at next summer’s World Cup hosted across North America, has in recent weeks spoken openly about his admiration for Trump.

In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, the forward said, “And [Trump is] one of the guys that I want to meet. I wish one day, if you have an opportunity to make that happen or tell him that he is one of the guys that I want to sit and have a nice talk. Here, U.S., wherever he wants.”

In that same interview, he added, “He’s one of the guys that can change or help to change the world.”

While the White House has not disclosed whether Ronaldo will hold additional meetings during his stay, his appearance underscored his continuing role as both an ambassador for football and a central figure in the growing blend of sports and diplomacy.