Cristiano ronaldo is slated too attend a black-tie gala dinner at the White House alongside Saudi Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, as President Trump hosts the Saudi royal. The event, scheduled for the East Room, will also include CEOs of major U.S. companies with existing business interests in saudi Arabia, though the White House has not yet released a full guest list.
Ronaldo‘s presence comes after a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in early 2023, joining Al Nassr and becoming the face of the Saudi Pro League. He reportedly earns $200 million (£152m) annually,and in June 2024,signed a new two-year deal worth $400 million (£300m),making him,according to Bloomberg,football’s first billionaire player with a net worth of $1.4 billion.
the footballer has publicly expressed admiration for Prince Mohammed, referring to him as “our boss” in an interview with Piers Morgan. He has also actively promoted Saudi Arabia‘s growth projects and its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, appearing at a Ministry of Tourism event in Riyadh earlier this month.
Ronaldo’s visit occurs despite past allegations made by Kathryn mayorga, who alleged she was raped by him in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. Ronaldo has firmly denied the accusations, stating in 2018, “Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in.” U.S. prosecutors decided not to pursue charges in 2019, citing an inability to prove the claims.
According to Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, 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. president Trump previously hosted the Saudi crown prince in the Oval Office. Ronaldo recently presented a signed Portugal jersey to European Council president Antonio Costa for Trump, inscribed with the message, “To president Donald J. Trump, Playing for peace,” expressing his hope for a meeting with the former president to perhaps contribute to “world peace.”
