Donald Trump welcomed a glittering array of guests to the White House on Tuesday evening, with one name standing out: soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 40-year-old forward, currently playing for Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr, attended the dinner alongside his fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, as part of a delegation accompanying Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his visit to Washington DC.
Ronaldo, dressed sharply in a black tuxedo, sat among influential figures including Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance.
The dinner offered a rare public appearance for Ronaldo on US soil, his first since facing serious legal allegations in 2017.
Trump Highlights Ronaldo’s Connection to His Son
During his remarks at the dinner, Trump took a moment to namecheck Ronaldo, revealing a personal connection with his youngest son.
“My son is a big fan of Ronaldo,” Trump said, gesturing toward the Portugal star.
“Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now—just the fact that I introduced you.
So I just want to thank you both for being here.”
The moment highlighted the blending of sport, politics, and personal anecdotes at the high-profile gathering.
Saudi Crown Prince Makes First US Visit Amid Controversy
Tuesday’s dinner marked the first time the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia had visited the United States since US intelligence reports linked him to the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
During a press interaction earlier in the day, Trump publicly defended bin Salman, insisting he “knew nothing about it,” defying prior intelligence conclusions.
The Crown Prince’s presence alongside global figures like Ronaldo reinforced the evening’s political and social significance.
Ronaldo’s Shadowed Past in the United States
While the evening spotlighted Ronaldo’s fame, it also reignited memories of his 2017 legal battle in the US.
He was accused of sexual assault by former teacher Kathryn Mayorga, alleging a 2009 incident in Las Vegas.
The matter was settled out of court in 2010 and later dismissed in 2022 after legal complications with the accuser’s representation.
Since then, Ronaldo has largely avoided US-based exhibitions or offseason events, focusing on his club career in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo’s Ongoing Ties to American Soccer
Despite past controversies, Ronaldo remains connected to US soccer, with Portugal set to play the United States in a friendly next March in Atlanta.
His presence at the White House coincides with a renewed focus on US tournaments, as the country hosts the majority of the upcoming World Cup next summer.
In a July meeting, Trump even received a signed Portugal jersey from Ronaldo, inscribed: “To President Donald J. Trump, Playing for Peace,” signaling the star’s interest in cultivating a relationship with the former president.
Trump’s Increasing Engagement with Sports Figures
Ronaldo’s visit reflects a broader trend in Trump’s second term: aligning closely with sporting icons.
The former president has attended a Super Bowl, Ryder Cup, US Open final, Daytona 500, and multiple NFL games, consistently placing himself at high-profile athletic events.
“Ronaldo is one of the guys who can make things happen,” the soccer star told Piers Morgan recently, praising Trump’s influence and expressing interest in future discussions.
Timing Amid Political Developments
Ronaldo’s Washington appearance coincided with a major congressional move related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Congress voted overwhelmingly to release Justice Department files on the late convicted sex offender, a measure Trump had initially opposed.
The legislation passed the House 427-1 and swiftly moved to the Senate, now awaiting Trump’s signature, potentially adding another layer of political context to the evening.
A Night of Diplomacy, Sport, and High-Profile Guests
The dinner brought together sport, politics, and international diplomacy in a rare public showcase.
For Ronaldo, it represented not just a high-profile US appearance but an opportunity to reconnect with American audiences and political figures.
For Trump, it highlighted his continuing efforts to position himself among influential global personalities and sporting icons.
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