In a surprising and symbolic meeting, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo joined U.S. President Donald Trump at a black-tie dinner at the White House, coinciding with a state visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The event, held in the East Room, brought together high-profile figures from politics, business and sport including tech titans like Elon Musk and Tim Cook, along with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
During his speech, Trump made a personal shout-out to Ronaldo, revealing that his teenage son Barron is a big admirer of the footballer. “My son is a big fan of Ronaldo … Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you.”
Footage from the White House showed Ronaldo strolling with Trump through a “Walk of Fame” a symbolic gesture that has been labelled “two GOATs,” referring to Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt and Trump’s 45th/47th presidential terms. Ronaldo was seen laughing heartily at a joke from Trump.
Ronaldo’s presence at the White House marks a rare US appearance. The Portuguese forward, now playing for Saudi side Al Nassr, has previously expressed admiration for Trump, saying in an interview that they share a mutual desire to “make things happen” and promote global peace.
For Ronaldo, this meeting comes ahead of what is expected to be his final FIFA World Cup in 2026 an event co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
