Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo to meet President Trump at White House during Saudi prince visit
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. This meeting coincides with the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a high-profile occasion for both leaders.
A White House official confirmed Ronaldo’s attendance, although it is unclear if he is part of the crown prince’s official delegation. His prominence in the Saudi Pro League links him closely to the kingdom’s efforts to modernize and promote sports.
Ronaldo’s last visit to the U.S. was in 2016, and he has recently been a central figure in Saudi Arabia‘s sports investments. He plays for Al Nassr, a club owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and his contract reportedly worth $200 million a year has made headlines globally.
During an interview, Ronaldo expressed his desire for a more peaceful world and hopes to discuss this with Trump, citing the importance of the U.S. president in global matters. “If we can help each other to make this happen,” he stated, reflecting his aspiration for impactful dialogue.
Ronaldo’s reputation has drawn mixed attention in the past. In 2009, he faced allegations of sexual assault, which he has strongly denied. U.S. prosecutors later decided not to pursue charges due to a lack of evidence.
The meeting comes as part of a broader diplomatic agenda between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Trump’s dinner with the crown prince will include prominent business leaders with ties to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the mutual interests between the two nations.
Ronaldo, who has scored 143 international goals for Portugal, is also expected to attend events tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. His participation at the White House marks a significant moment as he steps further into the role of influential figure in international sports
