Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi crown prince at high-profile White House dinner
Cristiano Ronaldo was among the high-profile guests at a White House black-tie dinner on Tuesday, appearing alongside Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, tech leaders and senior US officials.
President Donald Trump, who welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier in the day, described it as an “honour” to host Ronaldo now one of the most recognizable figures in Saudi Arabia’s push to expand its global profile through sport and tourism.
The Portuguese star’s presence comes amid the kingdom’s ambition to diversify its economy beyond oil, with sport playing a central role in its modernization strategy. A White House spokesperson confirmed Ronaldo’s attendance, though did not specify whether he travelled as part of the crown prince’s delegation.
Saudi Arabia has faced sustained criticism from human-rights groups over its spending in global sport, accusing the kingdom of using major events, clubs and athletes to soften its international image a tactic commonly referred to as sports washing.
During his remarks to guests, Trump praised the deepening ties between Washington and Riyadh, calling Saudi Arabia a “major non-Nato ally.” He also joked about introducing Ronaldo to his son Barron, saying it had earned him “a little more respect at home.”
The dinner also featured Elon Musk, making his first White House appearance since leaving his role in the Trump administration earlier this year, as well as Apple boss Tim Cook and several other business leaders.
For Ronaldo, the evening marked one of his few public visits to the United States since 2016. The period since has included allegations of sexual assault made in Nevada claims he has repeatedly denied. US prosecutors declined to pursue charges in 2019, citing insufficient evidence.
Ronaldo could return to the US next year if a proposed Portugal USA friendly in Atlanta is finalised, which would be his first match on American soil since 2014.
The 40-year-old signed with Al Nassr in 2023, becoming the figurehead of the Saudi Pro League and one of the highest-paid athletes in history. His initial contract reportedly earned him around $200 million per year, before he agreed an extension in June worth a combined $400m over two more seasons a deal that helped push his net worth above $1.4bn, according to Bloomberg.
Ronaldo has publicly aligned himself with the crown prince’s ambitions, recently appearing at a tourism event in Riyadh and voicing support for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid.
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