Ronaldo, making his first public appearance in the United States since being accused of rape in 2017  allegations he has consistently and emphatically denied walked alongside Trump and fiancée Georgina Rodríguez in footage released by the White House on Wednesday. The clip was captioned “Two GOATS CR7 × 45/47”, a nod to Trump’s presidential terms and Ronaldo’s iconic status.

During the black-tie event, Trump praised the Portuguese star for winning over his football-obsessed son. According to lip-reading specialist NJ Hickling, Trump appeared to tell Ronaldo that 19-year-old Barron “doesn’t play at all,” before suggesting it “takes a great player to play football” a remark that left Ronaldo laughing. It remained unclear whether Trump was referring to American football or soccer.

Ronaldo later posted a message thanking Trump and the First Lady for hosting him in the Oval Office, writing that he hoped to “inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace.”

Barron Trump has long been a keen football follower and even spent time in D.C. United’s academy setup as a child, though height was cited by his father as a barrier to progressing in the sport. Trump has previously introduced him to high-profile players, including Wayne Rooney during the Englishman’s time in MLS.

Inside Tuesday’s event, Ronaldo was seated among business leaders and political figures, including Elon Musk, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Apple CEO Tim Cook and US Vice-President JD Vance. Investor David Sacks shared a group selfie taken by Ronaldo himself.

The dinner marked the crown prince’s first US visit since the CIA’s assessment linking him to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi a conclusion Trump publicly dismissed earlier in the day.

Ronaldo’s trip also revived questions surrounding the long-running allegation from former American teacher Kathryn Mayorga, who accused him of raping her in Las Vegas in 2009. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2022 after a judge ruled key evidence had been improperly obtained; Ronaldo has always maintained his innocence.

The 40-year-old forward, currently starring for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has avoided US-based pre-season tours since the allegations resurfaced in 2017. However, he is expected to return next March for a Portugal–USA friendly in Atlanta ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo has recently spoke highly of Trump in an interview with Piers Morgan, describing the president as someone who “can make things happen” and expressing a desire to meet him a wish fulfilled during this week’s diplomatic visit.