Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo found himself among the world's most powerful figures at a glittering White House dinner hosted by former President Donald Trump, marking his first public appearance on American soil since 2017 rape allegations surfaced against him.
A Star-Studded Gathering of Global Influencers
The event, held on Tuesday evening, welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington DC, bringing together an extraordinary collection of business magnates, sports leaders, and political heavyweights. Ronaldo attended with his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, both dressed in formal evening wear for the prestigious occasion.
During his speech, President Trump paid special tribute to the 40-year-old football legend, revealing a personal family connection. "My son is a big fan of Ronaldo... 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 told the assembled guests.
The Viral Selfie That Captured Global Attention
Later that evening, technology investor David Sacks shared a remarkable selfie on social media that quickly circulated worldwide. The photograph, taken by Ronaldo himself, featured an impressive lineup including Elon Musk, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Rodriguez, and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Both Sacks and Lutnick posted the image with the caption "Great night!" showcasing the unprecedented convergence of sports, technology, and political power in one frame. Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, was part of the official visiting delegation and sat near prominent figures including Musk and Vice President JD Vance throughout the evening.
Significant First Appearances and Controversial Context
The dinner marked several significant first appearances. For Ronaldo, it represented his first public engagement in the United States since former American teacher Kathryn Mayorga accused him of rape in 2017. The footballer has consistently and vehemently denied these allegations, and a US judge dismissed the lawsuit against him in 2022.
Equally momentous was the Saudi Crown Prince's first visit to America since US intelligence agencies claimed he approved the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Trump dramatically defended the Crown Prince when questioned about Khashoggi's murder earlier on Tuesday, contradicting US intelligence reports by stating Bin Salman "knew nothing about it."
Ronaldo's appearance comes at a crucial time for international sports diplomacy. Portugal recently qualified for next summer's World Cup, which will be primarily hosted in the United States, and the Portuguese team is scheduled to play a friendly match against the United States in Atlanta next March.
The footballer has been making deliberate efforts to connect with Trump, having previously gifted him a signed Portugal jersey inscribed with "To president Donald J. Trump, Playing for Peace." In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo expressed admiration for Trump's influence, stating: "He is one of the guys who can help to change the world... I wish one day to meet him because he is one of the guys who can make things happen."
The high-profile gathering occurred on the same day Congress voted almost unanimously to force the release of Justice Department files concerning the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, adding another layer of significance to an already historic day in Washington politics.
