Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most iconic figures in world football, made a surprise appearance at a glitzy White House dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump for his royal guest, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Speaking at the state dinner on Tuesday night, Trump thanked the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for attending and said his youngest son Barron was a “big fan” and the 19-year-old was impressed to meet the Portuguese soccer legend.
“Barron got to meet him. And I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just because I introduced you,” Trump said. “So I want to thank you both for being here. Thank you so much. Truly an honor.”
Ronaldo sat at the front of the East Room, not far from where the president and crown prince gave remarks to officials from both countries, along with major business leaders such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla founder Elon Musk.
JUST IN: Incredible moment President Trump sits down to dinner with MELANIA, Cristiano Ronaldo, JD Vance, Apple CEO Tim Cook and more at the White House
Elon Musk is there too!
This is what real CLASS looks like.
47 knows how to be an amazing host. pic.twitter.com/lutnxNHDqy— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 19, 2025
Other notable guests included FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth, Blackstone Co-Founder Stephen A Schwarzman, General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Ford Motor Executive Chairman William Clay Ford Jr, US Vice President JD Vance, along with Donald Trump Jr, The New York Times reports.
Ronaldo announced earlier this month that the 2025 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, would be the last of his career. His last appearance on American soil dates back to August 2014 when he came on as a substitute for Real Madrid in a friendly against Manchester United in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The crown prince’s visit to the US comes as the Saudi leader continues his efforts to strengthen ties with Washington following the 2018 killing of American journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
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Issued by:
Satyam Singh
Published on:
November 19, 2025
