Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo made an unexpected and high-profile appearance in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night as he attended a White House black-tie dinner alongside Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The event, hosted by US President Donald Trump, brought together world leaders, top industry executives, and influential figures, highlighting the deepening ties between Washington and Riyadh.
The presence of Ronaldo — now one of the central faces of Saudi Arabia’s multibillion-dollar push into global sports — added a layer of celebrity intrigue to an already high-stakes diplomatic evening.
A Rare US Appearance for Ronaldo
The Portuguese superstar, who currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has made few public visits to the United States in recent years. His appearance at the White House marks one of his first known returns to the country since 2016.
A White House official confirmed earlier in the day that Ronaldo would attend the dinner but clarified that he was not part of the crown prince’s official delegation. Nevertheless, his attendance was widely seen as reflecting Saudi Arabia’s rapid global expansion through sports, entertainment, and tourism — sectors that the crown prince has heavily prioritised under his Vision 2030 economic transformation plan.
President Trump expressed delight at hosting Ronaldo, calling it “an honour” during remarks before the event. He also referenced Ronaldo’s influence in elevating Saudi Arabia’s sporting ambitions, noting that the football icon has become “one of the kingdom’s most recognised global ambassadors.”
Trump Praises US–Saudi Alliance
During his speech at the dinner, Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Saudi Arabia, describing the kingdom as a “major non-NATO ally.” Earlier in the day, he had held bilateral talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office, discussing issues ranging from security cooperation to energy, technology, and economic partnerships.
Turning to Ronaldo at the dinner, Trump made light-hearted remarks about how excited his teenage son had been to meet the football legend.
“Baron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now — just the fact that I introduced you,” Trump joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
A Gathering of Global Power Brokers
The gala was attended by several prominent business leaders, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. The dinner also marked Musk’s first return to the White House since April, when he stepped down as head of the Trump administration’s Department for Government Efficiency (Doge) after a very public dispute with the president.
Diplomats, senior members of the US government, and representatives from major corporations were also in attendance, highlighting the geopolitical and economic weight attached to Saudi–US relations.
Critics Highlight Sportswashing Concerns
Despite the glamour of the event, critics remained vocal. Many argue that Saudi Arabia’s heavy investment in global sporting figures — including Ronaldo — represents a form of sportswashing, intended to rehabilitate its image on the world stage while diverting attention from concerns about human rights, political freedoms, and environmental practices.
Analysts have pointed to the kingdom’s staggering expenditures in football, boxing, golf, motor racing, and e-sports as part of a broader strategy to reposition itself as a global entertainment hub. Ronaldo’s $200 million annual contract with Al Nassr, followed by an additional two-year extension reportedly worth $400 million, has been emblematic of this rapid transformation.
Ronaldo’s Growing Role in Saudi Influence Strategy
Ronaldo is not simply a footballer within Saudi Arabia — he is now central to its international branding efforts. According to Middle East analysts, his global appeal provides the kingdom with cultural influence in regions far beyond its borders.
Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House, noted:
“Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in high-profile events and individuals to put the kingdom on the map. Ronaldo is a key component of that strategy.”
Ronaldo himself has publicly expressed admiration for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, he referred to the crown prince as “our boss”, affirming his alignment with the kingdom’s modernisation agenda.
Earlier this month, he appeared at a Ministry of Tourism event in Riyadh, praising Saudi Arabia’s ambitious development projects and voicing optimism about the nation’s chances of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
A Return to the US Amid Past Controversies
Ronaldo’s visit to the United States also comes years after he faced allegations of sexual assault in Las Vegas in a 2009 case that resurfaced publicly in 2018. Ronaldo vehemently denied the claim, and US prosecutors announced in 2019 that he would not face charges, stating there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
Since then, Ronaldo has kept a relatively low profile in the US, and his appearance at the White House drew significant media attention given his global stature and longstanding avoidance of American public events.
Saudi Arabia’s Global Image Campaign Continues
Saudi Arabia’s investment in Ronaldo, alongside other major international sporting ventures, continues to reshape global perceptions of the kingdom. From hosting heavyweight boxing titles and Formula One races to launching the disruptive LIV Golf tour, the kingdom has embedded itself firmly within global sports culture.
Ronaldo’s presence at a White House dinner attended by global decision-makers reflects just how far-reaching Saudi Arabia’s strategy has become. His role as a cultural diplomat — even if unofficial — underscores the kingdom’s belief that sports can serve as both soft power and a bridge to new global partnerships.
Looking Ahead
As Riyadh and Washington navigate a world marked by geopolitical tension, energy transition debates, and shifting alliances, moments like Tuesday’s dinner serve as public symbols of cooperation. For Saudi Arabia, having one of football’s most recognisable faces alongside its crown prince in Washington reinforces the narrative of a modernising, globally engaged kingdom.
For Ronaldo, the appearance further cements his evolving role beyond football — as a figure central to soft diplomacy, global branding, and cultural influence.
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