WASHINGTON (AP) – Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo visited the White House on Tuesday as President Donald Trump hosted a lavish dinner honoring Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The soccer star was seated near the front of the East Room, not far from where the president and crown prince addressed officials from both countries, along with key business leaders including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla founder Elon Musk.
President Trump emphasized in his speech that he had introduced Ronaldo to his teenage son.
Ronaldo has so far face of saudi soccer league Since joining Saudi club Al Nasr at the end of 2022 on a contract reportedly worth $200 million a year.
The 40-year-old Portuguese star signed a two-year extension in June with Al Nasr, which is majority-owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, which is chaired by the crown prince.
President Trump thanked the athlete for his attendance. Youngest son Baron is a “huge fan” of Ronaldo, and the 19-year-old said he was impressed to have met the footballer.
“Barron was able to meet him, and I think just the fact that I introduced you, he respects his father a little bit more,” Trump said.
It was Prince Mohammed’s first visit to the White House since the diplomatic quarantine began in 2018 following the murder of a Washington Post reporter. Jamal Khashoggi By Saudi officials at the Consulate General in Istanbul. U.S. intelligence agencies say Prince Mohammed probably directed the strategy. He denied any involvement in the killing.
This was a rare visit to the United States for Ronaldo, who has not played in the country since 2014.
In 2017, German news magazine Der Spiegel reported that Ronaldo had Paid $375,000 in hush money A woman accused Ronaldo of raping her at a Las Vegas hotel in 2009. Ronaldo’s lawyers argued the sex was consensual and no criminal charges were ever brought.
world cup connection
Saudi Arabia is Hold the 2034 World Cup Two years ago, FIFA and President Gianni Infantino developed a fast-track bidding process to avoid competing bids.
When Saudi Arabia’s victory was confirmed last December, Ronaldo promoted the bid, saying, “Based on what I’ve seen so far, I’m confident that 2034 will be the best World Cup in history.”
Ronaldo will play in a record sixth World Cup next year after Portugal qualified on Sunday for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, he Likely to be banned from FIFA Portugal will play their first game in June next year after receiving their first red card in 23 seasons with Portugal last week.
Portugal set to learn World Cup opponents December 5th Tournament DrawPresident Trump is scheduled to attend at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
President Trump is closely Adjusted for the 2026 World Cup. A copy of the golden trophy, lent to him by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, is in the presidential office.
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Dunbar contributed from Geneva. Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed to this report.
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