Portugal and Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo, along with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, attended a black-tie dinner at the White House on Tuesday night, hosted in honour of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
A White House official confirmed earlier in the day that Ronaldo would be present, but did not clarify whether he was part of the crown prince’s official delegation.
The Independent Mirror reports that speaking ahead of the event, U.S. President Donald Trump said it was an honour to host Ronaldo, whose prominent role in the Saudi Pro League has made him a symbol of the country’s modernisation efforts.
During his remarks at the dinner, Trump praised the strengthening ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, describing the kingdom as a major non-NATO ally.
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump had welcomed the Saudi crown prince to the Oval Office.
Turning to the Portuguese superstar, Trump told attendees: “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 because I introduced you.”
Also present at the dinner was FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as well as billionaire Elon Musk, who joined other influential business leaders including Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Also it marked Musk’s first visit to the White House since stepping down as head of the Trump administration’s Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE) in April.
