US President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video of himself playing soccer with Cristiano Ronaldo at the White House on Thursday.
“Ronaldo is a GREAT GUY. I enjoyed meeting him at the White House. Really smart and cool,” Trump said in an Instagram post.
The video was released after he attended a glitzy dinner with Portuguese footballer and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday.
The football star sat in the front of the East Room – not far from where the President and Crown Prince gave their remarks.
In his speech, Trump made sure to acknowledge Ronald, whom he said he introduced to his teenage son.
Meanwhile, several social media users have commented on the video, with some calling it the best use of technology.
“Brother I know it’s Ronaldo’s idea but I can’t prove it,” said one user.
Another user said: “The best ever (x2) at using technology right.”
“Haters gonna say it’s fake,” one user commented.
Some users commented that the video was clearly AI but so real.
“We have AI Trump vs Ronaldo before GTA VI.”
Trump also presented Ronaldo with a symbolic golden key and invited him to the White House.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady have given me and my future wife @georginagio. Each of us has something meaningful to give and I am ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace,” the footballer said in a post on Instagram.
Wednesday’s visit was a rare visit to the US for Ronaldo, who has not played in the country since 2014.
Ronaldo has been the face of the Saudi Football League since joining Saudi club Al-Nassr at the end of 2022 in a reported $200 million-a-year deal.
World Cup Connection
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup after FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino created a fast-track bidding process two years ago that helped ensure there was no competing bid.
Ronaldo backed the bid, saying last December when Saudi Arabia’s victory was confirmed “after what I see, I’m more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever”.
Ronaldo is set to play in a record sixth World Cup next year after Portugal qualified for the tournament, which is co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, on Sunday.
