Portuguese soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to meet Donald Trump at the White House when the US president welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, one of the Saudi professional leagues, is likely to be part of the Saudi crew.
The Saudi crown prince will also receive a lavish welcome from Trump on his first visit to the United States since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump is expected to roll out the red carpet for the prince with a flyover, a salute and a gala dinner – as the two countries sign defense and nuclear deals.
However, neither the White House nor Ronaldo have confirmed that the footballer will be present at the meeting.
In November 2005, in an interview with British journalist and TV personality Piers Morgan, Ronaldo revealed that he was quite fond of the incumbent POTUS.
Ronaldo said that President Trump is one of the few people he would very much like to meet in person one day, but has never had the opportunity.
“One of the most important people is of course the American president,” Ronaldo said, adding that he “can change the world.”
The footballer also said that once their face-to-face meeting is arranged, he will reveal “something I share” with President Trump that he has never shown before.
Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming for another FIFA World Cup as Portugal have secured their place at next year’s tournament. Ronaldo missed the Porto game through suspension – but Portugal ensured he will have the chance to appear at a record sixth World Cup.
Ronaldo recently said it would be his last chance to win the only major title that has eluded him.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 41 when the tournament kicks off in June next year.
Meanwhile, according to FIFA, a meeting between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump has resulted in World Cup ticket holders being given priority visa interviews.
“The United States is ready to welcome fans from around the world on an unprecedented scale, and we are preparing to ensure that soccer unites the world when the tournament kicks off in North America next June,” Infantino said in a statement.
The FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States in 16 cities, with 48 teams (expanded from 32) competing.
