Ronaldo too Attend White house Dinner Alongside saudi Crown Prince
WASHINGTON D.C. – Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is scheduled to attend a black-tie gala dinner at the White House on the same day as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to reports. The event, set to take place in the East Room, comes as the U.S.and Saudi Arabia navigate a complex relationship marked by both strategic partnership and scrutiny over human rights concerns.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia in early 2023 marked a significant moment for the Saudi Pro League, with the footballer becoming captain of Al Nassr, a club owned by the sovereign wealth fund PIF chaired by the crown prince. His initial deal was reportedly worth $200 million (£152m) annually, exceeding $500,000 per day.In June of this year,Ronaldo signed a new two-year contract valued at $400 million (£300m),officially becoming football’s first billionaire player with a net worth of $1.4 billion, as reported by Bloomberg.
the Portuguese athlete has publicly expressed admiration for Prince Mohammed, referring to him as “our boss” in an interview with Piers Morgan. He recently appeared at a Ministry of Tourism event in Riyadh,promoting the kingdom’s development projects and its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The White House has remained tight-lipped regarding the guest list, but it is indeed expected to include CEOs of major U.S. companies with existing business interests in Saudi Arabia.The dinner follows a previous meeting between President Trump and the Saudi crown prince in the Oval Office.
Ronaldo has stated his hope to meet with President trump, believing he “can make things happen,” and expressing respect for individuals with that capacity. In July, European Council president Antonio Costa presented Trump with a Portugal jersey signed by Ronaldo bearing the message, “To president Donald J. Trump, Playing for Peace.”
The visit occurs after US prosecutors decided not to pursue charges related to allegations against Ronaldo in 2023, determining the claims could not be proven.Experts like Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle east and North Africa program at Chatham House, suggest Saudi Arabia’s investment in high-profile figures like Ronaldo is part of a broader strategy to enhance the kingdom’s image in sports and tourism as it pursues modernization.
