Trump to Ronaldo: “America Needs You!” – AI Video Sparks Transfer Rumors
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called on Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo to come to the United States, in a video posted to TikTok on Thursday, February 21, 2026. “You’re the greatest of all time, we need you in America… go now, we need you quickly,” Trump said in the video, according to reports. The message has been interpreted by some as a recruitment pitch for Ronaldo to join Major League Soccer (MLS).
The video, accompanied by the caption “A message from the greatest to the other great,” also sparked speculation that Trump’s appeal was related to Ronaldo’s potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Trump reportedly generated the video using artificial intelligence, depicting himself and Ronaldo playing football inside the Oval Office.
Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Professional League, having joined the club in 2023. As of Friday, February 21, 2026, neither Ronaldo nor Al-Nassr have issued a public response to Trump’s message, which quickly gained traction across social media platforms.
Trump’s comments come just months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, an event he has publicly emphasized the United States’ readiness to host. During the draw for the tournament in December 2025, Trump praised both Ronaldo and Argentinian star Lionel Messi, calling them “great.” He also highlighted record-breaking ticket sales and pledged to address any logistical challenges associated with the event, according to reports from December 5, 2025.
At the December 2025 draw, Trump stated, “I am ready, and everyone is ready, and Infantino is also ready,” referring to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and emphasizing the coordination between the U.S. And FIFA. He also lauded the perform of Argentinian President Javier Milei, stating, “He is doing a fantastic job. Argentina is returning to its glory.”
Trump’s remarks on Ronaldo and Messi at the draw followed a statement that the U.S. Had achieved “record numbers” in ticket sales for the tournament. He also expressed confidence in the country’s ability to host a successful event, stating, “We will take care of any difficulty or problem that may arise, and we will solve everything immediately.”