Cristiano Ronaldo Joins White House Meeting with Trump and Saudi Prince MBS
Cristiano Ronaldo is scheduled to attend a significant meeting at the White House on Tuesday. U.S. President Donald Trump will host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) in the Oval Office. Reports suggest this diplomatic event is part of the crown prince’s first U.S. visit in seven years.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Role in Saudi Pro League
Ronaldo, a globally recognized soccer player, is currently playing for Al Nassr. This Saudi Pro League team is funded by the government’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). In recent years, the Saudi league has invested heavily to attract top players worldwide.
The Event’s Context
This meeting between Trump and MBS comes after years of strained relations. The Saudi leader has been viewed as a global pariah since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which U.S. intelligence claims MBS approved—a statement he denies. The discussions will revolve around the Abraham Accords, international relations, and investments between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Return to the U.S.
Ronaldo has not played in the United States for nearly 12 years. His last appearance was on August 2, 2014, substitute for Real Madrid in a match against Manchester United. That game drew a crowd of 109,318 at Michigan Stadium.
- Last played in the U.S.: August 2, 2014
- Total attendance at last match: 109,318
- Last appearance for Portugal: Friendly match against the Republic of Ireland
Past Controversies
Ronaldo’s absence from the U.S. has been further complicated by allegations stemming from a 2009 incident, which he has repeatedly denied. Those allegations were made public in 2017, leading to heightened scrutiny during his time away from the country.
Future Plans in the U.S.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo is expected to return to the U.S. in 2026. His Portugal team is slated to play against the U.S. Men’s National Team at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in March. He is also expected to compete in the World Cup later that summer.
Ronaldo’s Diplomatic Efforts
In recent diplomatic moves, Ronaldo has attempted to connect with Trump. In July, Portugal’s President Antonio Costa presented Trump with a signed Ronaldo jersey. The jersey featured a personal message aimed at promoting peace.
Ronaldo’s Ambitions
During an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo expressed his desire to meet Trump. He hopes to discuss global peace, stating, “He is one of the guys who can help to change the world.”
This upcoming meeting at the White House highlights the intersection of sports and geopolitics, showcasing Ronaldo’s significant influence beyond the soccer field.
