Ronaldo, Elon Musk Attend Trump’s Dinner Honoring Saudi Crown Prince
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, soccer sensation Cristiano Ronaldo made a noteworthy appearance at the White House, where President Donald Trump hosted an extravagant dinner in honor of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The dinner, held in the prestigious East Room, gathered a mix of political figures and prominent business leaders, making it one of the high-profile events of the year.
Ronaldo, who has become the face of the Saudi soccer league following his lucrative move to Al-Nassr, was seated near the front of the East Room. His presence not only delighted soccer fans but also showcased the increasing intersection of sports, business, and politics. Other notable attendees included major figures such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla founder Elon Musk, who both played significant roles in their respective industries.
Trump’s Acknowledgment of Ronaldo
During his speech, President Trump took a moment to acknowledge Ronaldo’s accomplishments and expressed gratitude for his attendance. Notably, Trump shared that his youngest son, Barron, is a big admirer of the soccer star. “Barron got to meet him. And I think he respects his father a little bit more, now, just the fact that I introduced you,” Trump remarked, adding a personal touch to the evening’s festivities.
Ronaldo has been a global sports icon since joining Saudi club Al-Nassr at the end of 2022, with a contract reportedly worth $200 million per year. Following a two-year extension signed in June, his influence over the Saudi soccer league and its growing international prominence cannot be overstated.
Prince Mohammed’s Diplomatic Visit
This dinner was particularly significant for Crown Prince Mohammed, who was visiting the White House for the first time since the onset of diplomatic isolation two years earlier. That isolation was a result of widespread outrage following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which U.S. intelligence agencies concluded he likely directed—a claim that he has consistently denied. The gathering marked a step toward renewed dialogue between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
While Ronaldo’s visit to the U.S. was rare—he hadn’t played in the country since 2014—his presence at such a prominent event highlights the blurred lines between sports and global diplomacy.
Controversies Surrounding Ronaldo
Ronaldo has faced his share of controversies over the years. A notable incident reported by Der Spiegel in 2017 detailed a $375,000 hush money payment made by Ronaldo to silence a woman who accused him of rape in Las Vegas in 2009. Ronaldo’s legal team has maintained that any sexual encounters were consensual, and no criminal charges were ever filed against him.
World Cup Connection
As soccer continues to evolve internationally, Saudi Arabia also has its sights set on hosting significant global events. The nation will host the 2034 World Cup, a decision that arose following a fast-tracked bidding process facilitated by FIFA. Ronaldo has actively supported this initiative, stating his belief that the 2034 World Cup will be the best ever, a sentiment he expressed following the announcement of Saudi Arabia as the host.
Ronaldo is expected to make history next year by participating in his sixth World Cup, as Portugal has qualified for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. However, his participation is now under scrutiny due to a recent red card that could lead to a FIFA ban during Portugal’s first game.
The World Cup draw, which will determine Portugal’s opponents, is scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington. Interestingly, Trump is anticipated to attend this significant event as well.
Musk-Trump Reconciliation?
Elon Musk’s attendance at the dinner represents a potential thaw in the icy relations between himself and President Trump. This was only their second public appearance together following a highly publicized falling out earlier in the year. Despite Musk’s early support for Trump’s election and his brief role as an adviser in the administration, their relationship soured over conflicting views on fiscal policies. Musk criticized Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bills as reckless, while Trump threatened to pull federal subsidies from Musk’s companies.
This dinner might signal a shift toward harmony between the two influential figures, suggesting that despite past grievances, they are willing to collaborate moving forward.
As global affairs intertwine with sports and business, this dinner stands as an emblem of the complex relationships shaping our world today. With figures like Ronaldo and Musk present, it illustrates the varying influences at play in both diplomacy and popular culture.
