Cristiano Ronaldo joined world leaders and business executives at a White House state dinner Tuesday as US President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his first visit to Washington in seven years. The Portuguese football star, who has represented Saudi football since joining Al-Nassr in late 2022 on a reported $200 million (€173m) annual contract, was seated near the front of the East Room alongside Apple CEO Tim Cook, Tesla and X owner Elon Musk, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Trump introduced the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to his 19-year-old son Barron, whom he described as 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,” Trump said during his remarks. The 40-year-old star, who extended his Al-Nassr contract for two years in June, actively promoted Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup, calling it “the best World Cup ever” when the kingdom’s victory was confirmed last December.
