Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a high-profile meeting with former US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, following a personal request from the Al-Nassr superstar.
From the Pitch to Politics: The Meeting Arrangement
This extraordinary cross-over between sport and politics comes after Ronaldo publicly expressed his desire to meet President Trump during a recent interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan. Three White House officials have confirmed the planned visit, which coincides with President Trump's scheduled meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The timing raises interesting questions about potential connections, given that Ronaldo currently plays his club football in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr. President Trump commented on the Saudi engagement, stating, "We're more than meeting. We're honouring Saudi Arabia, the crown prince."
Ronaldo's Quest for Dialogue and Peace
The Portuguese forward first revealed his intentions during his conversation with Morgan, who shares a longstanding friendship with President Trump. Ronaldo referenced a signed shirt he had sent to Trump bearing the message: "President Donald J. Trump, playing for peace."
Ronaldo elaborated on his motivation, explaining: "If the world is at peace, that's our goal. He's one of the people who can change or help change the world. And that's my main objective: to meet Trump and talk about world peace."
The football legend made it clear he would have been willing to welcome Trump to Saudi Arabia if necessary, but instead will travel to meet the US President. "Here, in the United States - wherever it happens, I'd like to meet him," Ronaldo added. "I know he's been to Saudi Arabia. I hope to sit down with him someday because he's one of those people I really like."
World Cup Context and Shared Qualities
This high-profile meeting occurs following Portugal's successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ronaldo is expected to be among the tournament's headline attractions.
Adding to the sporting significance, discussions are reportedly underway about a potential warm-up friendly match between Portugal and the United States men's national team ahead of the World Cup.
Ronaldo intriguingly suggested he shares certain qualities with President Trump, though he declined to specify what they are. "I hope the world finds a path to peace soon," Ronaldo explained. "That's what I'm looking for. And someday, if I get the chance to sit down with him, I'll tell him what we have in common. But I'll keep it to myself until that moment."
The meeting continues President Trump's engagement with football's elite, having previously hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office on multiple occasions.
Ronaldo's White House visit comes during a period of mixed fortunes for the Portuguese national team. He missed their recent World Cup qualifier against Ireland due to a one-match ban for elbowing defender Dara O'Shea. Portugal suffered a surprising 2-0 defeat in that match but successfully bounced back with a victory against Armenia days later.
