World-renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo attended a formal dinner (dressed in evening attire) at the White House on Tuesday evening, alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Speaking before the event, US President Donald Trump said it was an “honor” to host Ronaldo, whose prominent role in the Saudi Professional League has made him a key figure in the country’s modernization campaign.
Trump also said of Ronaldo, “My son is a big fan of his. Barron met him, and I think he respects his father a little more now, just because I introduced you to him.”
A BBC report noted that Ronaldo was the first non-political figure Trump mentioned in a room filled with some of the biggest business, sports, and technology leaders, as well as political figures.
The Athletic interpreted Ronaldo’s attendance at the White House as “a decision by Mohammed bin Salman due to the player’s lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia, which makes him an ambassador for the Kingdom and an instrument of soft power, thus enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global standing.”
Also in attendance at the dinner was tech billionaire Elon Musk, who joined other influential business leaders, including Apple CEO Tim Cook.
This marks Ronaldo’s first visit to the United States since 2016, following accusations of rape dating back to 2009.
