Donald Trump Leaves Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez in Stitches During White House Visit for Saudi Event
U.S. President Donald Trump was seen sharing a light-hearted moment with Cristiano Ronaldo and his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez during a prestigious White House event linked to high-level diplomatic meetings with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
Newly released footage from the White House shows Trump walking alongside the couple, leaving them laughing and visibly entertained as they toured the residence grounds.
The Portuguese football icon, now 40, attended the event following a historic U.S.–Saudi diplomatic session. Dressed in a classic black tuxedo, Ronaldo was seated among notable global figures, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
A viral moment soon followed when Ronaldo posed for a selfie worth “a million dollars” alongside Musk and FIFA President Gianni Infantino inside the White House.
Trump Praises Ronaldo and Reveals Son Barron’s Admiration
During the gala, Trump publicly celebrated Ronaldo’s global impact on football and disclosed that his son Barron is a devoted fan.
“This room is filled with the biggest leaders in the world – business, sports… My son is a big fan of Ronaldo,” Trump said. “Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now – just because I introduced him. So I want to thank you both for being here.”
Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in 2023 in a record-breaking move, has been heavily supported by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has invested millions in developing Saudi Arabia as a global sports destination.
Although initially reported to be part of the Crown Prince’s formal delegation, Ronaldo arrived in Washington, D.C. separately later in the day.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has previously referred to MBS as his “boss” and has publicly praised Trump. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, he expressed admiration for the former president, describing him as “a man of peace” and someone with the power to influence world change.
“I wish one day to meet him to sit and have a nice talk… He is one of the people who can make things happen, and I like people like that,” Ronaldo said.
Potential Return to Play on U.S. Soil
Ronaldo is now expected to return to play in the United States this coming March, with reports suggesting a Portugal vs USA friendly planned at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The match would mark Ronaldo’s first appearance on American turf since 2014, when he played for Real Madrid in front of a stadium-record crowd of 109,318 in Michigan.
His last public visit to the U.S. occurred in 2016 after Portugal’s Euro Championship victory.
The White House visit coincides with renewed scrutiny surrounding Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
As reporters questioned both leaders during a media session in the Oval Office, Trump dismissed the inquiry as inappropriate, while MBS called the incident “painful” and a “huge mistake.”
The CIA previously reported that MBS approved the capture or killing of Khashoggi, although the Crown Prince has denied ordering the murder, taking responsibility only as the kingdom’s ruler.
Saudi Arabia’s Sports Project Continues Expanding
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia triggered a wave of international stars relocating to the region as part of a massive sporting expansion.
Saudi Arabia has since become a major destination for boxing, golf, tennis, snooker and other global events, building influence through high-profile partnerships, athlete acquisitions, and global marketing.