November 20, 2025 | 01:06 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As football transcends into a global cultural force, the participation of its stars in high-profile diplomatic events has become increasingly common. On Tuesday, this was exemplified by Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined US President Trump for a glitzy dinner at the White House in honor of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The soccer superstar was far from an ordinary guest. President Trump described having him there as an “honor,” given Ronaldo’s growing significance in the Saudi football landscape. In his remarks, Trump thanked Ronaldo for attending and noted that his youngest son, Barron, "got to meet him. And I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you.”
At the dinner, Ronaldo was joined by fellow global figures, including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla founder Elon Musk. He was seen seated near the front of the East Room, not far from where the president and crown prince delivered their remarks to officials from both nations.
Alongside his appreciation for the football icon, Trump also praised the strengthening ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, labeling the kingdom a “major non-NATO ally.”
The meeting also marked a rare high-profile visit for the Saudi crown prince, his first since a period of diplomatic isolation beginning in 2018 after the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents at the consulate in Istanbul.
For Ronaldo, the appearance was also notable. It was his first visit to the U.S. since 2016, following a 2009 sexual assault allegation that he denied in 2018.
Saudi Arabia has been accelerating its global sports ambitions since Cristiano Ronaldo made a landmark move by signing with Al Nassr in late 2022, making him the world’s highest-paid football player. Looking toward the future, and with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 World Cup, ESPN cited Ronaldo's statement as, “After what I see, I’m more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever.”
Editor’s Choice: Evidence Suggests Saudi Crown Prince Liable for Khashoggi Murder
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Trump Signs Bill Ordering Epstein Files Release
1 jam lalu
US President Donald Trump said he signed a bill requiring the Justice Department to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Danantara Bids on 80 Ha Site in Saudi Arabia for Indonesia's Hajj Village
19 jam lalu
The Danantara team registered for the auction of 80 hectares of land in Saudi Arabia last week and is now actively bidding.
Top 10 Biggest Football Clubs in the World That You Need to Know
21 jam lalu
The biggest football clubs in the world see names synonymous with success built on decades of relentless ambition, talent, and unwavering fan support.
Nicki Minaj Claims Christians Persecuted in Nigeria at UN
22 jam lalu
Nicki Minaj praised US President Donald Trump's position on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Trump Says He Plans to Approve F-35 Fighter Jet Sale to Saudi Arabia
1 hari lalu
Donald Trump says he plans to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, signaling a major shift in Washington's weapons transfer policy.
PSSI Says It Is Reviewing Five Candidates for National Team Head Coach
1 hari lalu
Sumardji, the Chairperson of the National Team Body (BTN), revealed that the evaluation process is currently taking place for five potential coaches for the Indonesian national team.
UN Approves Trump Gaza Plan: Hamas Pushes Back as Palestinian Authority Concedes
1 hari lalu
The UN Security Council has voted to adopt a resolution endorsing US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza
Live Broadcast Schedule: Indonesia U-23 vs Mali Second Friendly, Kickoff Tonight
1 hari lalu
The Indonesia U-23 national team will face Mali once again at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, Indonesia, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Bus Crash in Saudi Arabia Kills at Least 45 Indian Umrah Pilgrims
1 hari lalu
A bus carrying Indian umrah pilgrims caught fire after colliding with a tanker on the highway between Mecca and Medina.
Trump Signals Plan to Meet New York Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani
1 hari lalu
President Donald Trump opens the possibility of a meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
