The White House recently experienced an unusual blend of politics, business, and international celebrity when President Donald Trump welcomed soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to the Oval Office.
During the event, President Trump not only praised the Portuguese forward but also shared a personal anecdote that drew laughs and applause from the audience. "You know, my son is a huge fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. Now that he's here, I think my son respects his dad a bit more after I introduced you to him. Thanks for being here; it's an honor," Trump remarked.
Ronaldo, the captain of the Portuguese national team and a player for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr, visited Washington as part of a delegation led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the guest of honor at a gala dinner.
Accompanied by his fiancée, Georgina Rodríguez, Ronaldo stayed in a luxury hotel just a block away from the White House, adding to the glamour of the occasion.
Presidential Reception: A Tour, Photos, and "Two GOATs"
Before the dinner, Trump welcomed Cristiano and Georgina in the Oval Office, where they posed for photos, later shared by presidential advisor Margo Martin. The President also guided them along the West Wing colonnade, lined with portraits of former U.S. presidents.
The White House subsequently released a video of the tour, captioned "Two GOATs"—an acronym for "Greatest of All Time"—honoring both the sports icon and the President himself.
On social media, Ronaldo, who once described Trump as "someone who can help change the world," expressed his gratitude for the invitation. "Thank you, Mr. President, for your invitation and the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife Georgina," he said on Instagram.
"Each of us has something significant to offer, and I'm ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility, and lasting peace," Ronaldo added.
A Gala with Business and Sports Leaders
The evening in honor of Bin Salman gathered top leaders from the business and sports worlds, including executives Elon Musk and Tim Cook, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, investor David Sacks, and Hollywood producer David Ellison.
Ronaldo, clad in a tuxedo, was seated prominently in the East Room, becoming the most photographed guest of the night. One of the most talked-about selfies featured him with Georgina, Musk, Infantino, and Sacks, who captioned the image as "Great night."
The event also had its share of quirks, such as a dinner delay due to a storm that necessitated covering the red carpet with an impromptu tent.
Though Ronaldo did not speak during the gala, he was the focal point of the welcoming speech where Trump again highlighted his son Barron's pride in meeting him.
Ronaldo's Return to the U.S. and Potential Friendly Match
This trip marks Ronaldo's return to the United States after more than a decade. His last visit was in 2014 with Real Madrid, but he had avoided entering the country due to a 2009 rape accusation in Nevada. The case was conclusively dismissed in 2023, allowing the soccer star to return without legal concerns.
His presence in Washington aligns with preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It is anticipated that a friendly match between Portugal and the U.S. on American soil will be announced soon, marking Ronaldo's first game in the country since 2014.
Sport Diplomacy Amid Global Business and Politics
Cristiano's visit transcends soccer: the 40-year-old has become a tourism and economic ambassador for Saudi Arabia, playing a pivotal role in promoting the country’s professional league, owned by the sovereign wealth fund PIF, chaired by Bin Salman.
Not only has he renewed his contract with Al-Nassr, but he has also supported Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup, which he hailed as potentially "the best World Cup in history."
The dinner with Trump, celebrated under the theme of "peace and prosperity," offered a different kind of image for the history books: that of a president who found an unexpected way to earn his own son's respect through the world's soccer idol.
As Trump humorously noted while introducing Barron to his hero, "I think my son respects me a bit more now."
Cristiano Ronaldo's Impact on U.S. and Global Relations
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo visit the White House?
Cristiano Ronaldo visited the White House as part of a delegation led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and attended a gala dinner in his honor.
What significance does Ronaldo's visit have for U.S.-Saudi relations?
Ronaldo's visit underscores the intersection of sports diplomacy and global business relations, as he acts as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia, promoting its professional league and World Cup bid.
How did President Trump describe his son's reaction to meeting Ronaldo?
President Trump humorously noted that meeting Cristiano Ronaldo made his son Barron respect him a bit more.
What are the implications of Ronaldo's return to the U.S.?
Ronaldo's return to the U.S. is significant as it marks his first visit since legal issues were resolved, and it aligns with the upcoming 2026 World Cup preparations.