In a remarkable fusion of sport and statecraft, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is scheduled to join Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a high-profile visit to the White House on Tuesday. The meeting with US President Donald Trump marks a significant moment in international relations, with the global sports star playing an unexpected diplomatic role.
A High-Profile Gathering
The Portuguese superstar's involvement was initially revealed by MS NOW and subsequently verified to The Associated Press by two anonymous sources familiar with the arrangements. These individuals spoke on condition of confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of the plans.
Ronaldo's connection to Saudi leadership runs deep through his football career. The 40-year-old forward has served as the premier ambassador for the Saudi football league since his high-profile transfer to club Al-Nassr at the end of 2022. His contract, reportedly worth an astonishing $200 million annually, represents one of the most lucrative deals in sporting history.
In June of this year, Ronaldo further cemented his ties to the kingdom by signing a two-year extension with Al-Nassr. The club is majority-owned by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, which Crown Prince Mohammed chairs as chairman.
Diplomatic Significance and Controversial Background
This White House meeting carries substantial diplomatic weight for Prince Mohammed, representing his first visit since a period of international isolation began in 2018. That diplomatic freeze followed the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. US intelligence agencies concluded that the Crown Prince likely authorised the operation, though he has consistently denied any involvement.
For Ronaldo, this constitutes a rare American appearance. The football legend hasn't played in the United States since 2014. His previous connections to the country have been marred by controversy, notably the 2017 Der Spiegel report alleging he paid $375,000 in hush money to a woman who accused him of rape at a Las Vegas hotel in 2009. Ronaldo's legal representatives maintained the encounter was consensual, and no criminal charges were ever filed.
World Cup Connections and Sporting Context
The 2034 World Cup hosting rights form a crucial backdrop to this meeting. Saudi Arabia secured the tournament after FIFA, under president Gianni Infantino, established a fast-track bidding process two years ago that effectively eliminated potential rival bids.
Ronaldo has been an enthusiastic promoter of Saudi Arabia's World Cup ambitions, declaring last December when their victory was confirmed: "After what I see, I'm more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever."
On the pitch, Ronaldo is poised to make history by appearing in a record sixth World Cup edition next year after Portugal secured qualification this past Sunday. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, the veteran striker likely faces a ban for Portugal's opening match next June after receiving his first red card in 23 seasons of international play last week.
Portugal will discover their World Cup group stage opponents on December 5th during the tournament draw in Washington, an event President Trump is scheduled to attend. The American leader has closely associated himself with the 2026 World Cup, even displaying a copy of the golden trophy in the Oval Office on loan from FIFA President Infantino.
The White House meeting between Trump and Prince Mohammed is expected to finalise defence and business agreements valued in the billions of dollars, underscoring the substantial economic and strategic interests at play during this unprecedented gathering that bridges sports, diplomacy, and global commerce.
