Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo recently made headlines by attending a high-profile dinner at the White House in Washington D.C. The Portuguese superstar was hosted by then-U.S. President Donald Trump and joined by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on November 18, 2025.
This significant gathering took place amidst the Crown Prince’s official visit to the United States. For Ronaldo, the meeting marked the fulfillment of a long-standing wish; he had previously expressed his desire to engage directly with President Trump to discuss global peace initiatives.
During the ceremonial event, President Trump delivered a welcoming address, extending his gratitude to all distinguished guests, including Ronaldo. A notable moment occurred when President Trump personally introduced his youngest son, Barron Trump, to the renowned footballer, remarking on his son’s keen interest in the meeting.
While White House officials did not confirm whether Ronaldo was formally part of the Saudi Crown Prince’s official delegation, his presence underscored his growing influence beyond the football pitch. The 40-year-old forward’s prominent role in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) has positioned him as a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious modernization efforts under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. These initiatives aim to diversify the kingdom’s economy, reducing its traditional reliance on oil revenue by expanding into sectors like sports and tourism.
As part of this strategic vision, clubs within the Saudi Pro League have collectively invested over $3 billion in recent years to attract some of the world’s elite football talents, significantly elevating the league’s global profile. Ronaldo himself was a groundbreaking acquisition, signing a lucrative 2.5-year contract worth $536.3 million with Al Nassr shortly after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Demonstrating his commitment, the former Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star further extended his contract this summer for an additional two years, valued at $710 million, ensuring his stay with Al Nassr until at least the 2026-27 season.
Al Nassr is notably one of four Saudi Pro League clubs under the direct control of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The PIF stands as one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, managing an approximate total of $941 billion in assets, highlighting the substantial financial backing behind these sporting ventures.
Looking ahead, Cristiano Ronaldo is anticipated to make a record sixth appearance in the FIFA World Cup. Following Portugal’s qualification, he is set to compete in the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, scheduled from June 11 to July 19. This landmark event is widely expected to be his final showing on the grandest stage of international football before concluding his illustrious career.
