During his address, Trump made a light-hearted remark about his son Barron, saying meeting Ronaldo had earned the young boy’s “a little more respect” for his father. The comment drew laughter from attendees and highlighted the star power of the football icon. “Just the fact that I introduced you… I want to thank both of you for being here,” Trump added, acknowledging both Ronaldo and the Crown Prince.
Ronaldo, currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr until 2027, has scored over 950 career goals and remains one of the most prominent figures in global football. Al-Nassr is majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, reflecting the kingdom’s significant investment in sports.
The dinner featured an elite guest list, including tech leaders Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Senior administration officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Speaker Mike Johnson, and First Lady Melania Trump were also present, making the gathering a key intersection of politics, business, and sports diplomacy.
Ronaldo has recently been in the news for receiving his first red card in international football during Portugal’s 0-2 loss to the Republic of Ireland, a development that could see him miss the opening match of FIFA World Cup 2026. Despite this, his presence at the White House underscores his global influence and the growing intersection of sports and international diplomacy.
The event, blending diplomacy, sports, and celebrity, demonstrated the increasing role of high-profile athletes like Ronaldo in global soft power initiatives, especially in relation to Saudi Arabia’s expanding international footprint.
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