Recently, soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo made a rare appearance at the White House. He attended a dinner hosted by President Donald Trump in honor of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The event drew notable business figures, including Apple’s Tim Cook and Tesla’s Elon Musk. Trump took a moment to acknowledge Ronaldo, sharing that his son Barron is a huge fan.
Ronaldo has become the face of the Saudi soccer league since joining Al-Nassr in late 2022, reportedly on a contract worth $200 million annually. At 40 years old, he recently extended his deal with the club, which is heavily backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.
This visit was significant for Prince Mohammed, marking his first time at the White House after the international scrutiny that followed the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, for which he has faced allegations but continues to deny involvement.
Interestingly, Ronaldo hasn’t played in the U.S. since 2014, making this trip even more special for fans. He has been in the spotlight for various reasons, including a past allegation regarding a consensual encounter in Las Vegas, which he has consistently denied.
Looking Ahead: The 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup, a decision that drew mixed reactions globally. FIFA’s fast-tracked bidding process played a key role in this outcome, effectively sidelining any other contenders. Ronaldo expressed his optimism, stating, “I’m more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever.”
Next year, Ronaldo aims to make his sixth World Cup appearance, as Portugal qualified for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. However, he may miss the first game due to a recent red card—his first in 23 years with the national team.
As the World Cup draws closer, excitement is building. The tournament draw will take place on December 5, with Trump in attendance. He has expressed strong support for the 2026 World Cup, keeping a trophy in his Oval Office as a symbol of this commitment.
In a world where sports and politics often intersect, Ronaldo’s role in promoting the Saudi league and its future events is noteworthy. His influence extends beyond the field, resonating with fans and creating conversations about the modern landscape of soccer.
For more on soccer and its evolving landscape, check out the latest insights on the [Associated Press soccer hub](https://apnews.com/hub/soccer).
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Donald Trump, Soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gianni Infantino, Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia, General news, Tim Cook, FIFA, Washington news, Portugal, Apple, Inc., Sports, Elon Musk, Jamal Khashoggi, Tesla, Inc., Politics
