Why did Cristiano Ronaldo travel to USA after 11 years and meet Donald Trump?

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Cristiano Ronaldo met Donald Trump at the White House in a high-profile event that brought together influential figures from politics, business, and sports.

The meeting took place on Tuesday (November 18) during a dinner hosted by USA President Donald Trump in honor of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This event symbolized a unique intersection of global sports, diplomacy, and business.

Ronaldo, who has been the face of the Saudi Pro League since joining Al Nassr in 2023, attended the dinner alongside notable personalities such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Why did Cristiano Ronaldo meet Donald Trump?

Ronaldo's presence was particularly significant due to his strong ties with Saudi Arabia, as the club he plays for is majority owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund chaired by the Crown Prince. This visit was Ronaldo's first public trip to the United States since 2014, marking a rare and notable moment in his career.

At the event, Donald Trump warmly acknowledged Ronaldo, sharing that his youngest son, Barron Trump, is a big fan of the football star. Trump mentioned introducing Ronaldo to Barron, humorously suggesting that this meeting might have helped Barron respect his father a bit more. Ronaldo also had a chance to mingle with the guests, including important figures such as Elon Musk and Gianni Infantino, strengthening his global network beyond the football pitch.

The meeting held diplomatic weight, coinciding with the Saudi Crown Prince's first U.S. visit after years of strained relations. Ronaldo's participation underscored his expanding role as a global sports ambassador and a bridge between the Middle East and the West.

Ronaldo previously expressed a desire to meet Trump to discuss global issues and promote peace. The White House event provided him a platform to engage in broader social and political conversations beyond football.

This visit reinforced Ronaldo's influence in promoting Saudi Arabia's global sports ambitions, including the country's bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The Portugal international is also set to play for his country in the World Cup next year, which will be held in USA, Mexico and Canada.