United States President Donald Trump sang high praises of Football star Cristiano Ronaldo at the White House dinner held in honour of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Portuguese star attended a state dinner in Washington DC on Tuesday night as part of the Saudi delegation and arrived with his partner, Georgina Rodriguez.
During his speech, Trump pointed at Ronaldo and praised him for attending the event. He said, “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. So I just want to thank you both for being here.”
Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, was seated close to top global figures including Elon Musk and US vice president JD Vance. He wore a black tuxedo and was warmly received by guests.
Trump also noted that the room was filled with major leaders and added, “This room is loaded up with the biggest leaders in the world – business, sports…”
Ronaldo has been a major face of Saudi football since moving to Al Nassr in 2022. He recently signed a two-year extension with the club.
Trump’s remark came shortly after Barron met Ronaldo before the dinner.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House is his first since diplomatic tensions rose in 2018. The dinner also comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 World Cup, a bid Ronaldo openly supported.
Ronaldo is expected to feature in his sixth World Cup next year after Portugal qualified for the 2026 tournament.
