President Donald Trump issued a direct appeal to Cristiano Ronaldo on social media, urging the Portuguese soccer star to come to the United States. The message, delivered via TikTok, stated, “We necessitate you in America. Obtain going right now – we need you rapid.” The post was accompanied by an artificially generated video depicting Trump and Ronaldo playing soccer inside the Oval Office.
The unusual exchange occurred following a dinner at the White House where Trump hosted Ronaldo and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to reports, Trump remarked during the dinner, “My son is a big fan of Ronaldo,” and added that the meeting had improved his relationship with his son, Barron. Elon Musk was also in attendance at the dinner, according to sources.
The AI-generated video, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, shows the two figures heading a soccer ball and performing kick-ups within the Oval Office. The video culminates with a digitally rendered Trump kicking the ball at the viewer, shattering the screen. The post appeared two days after Ronaldo’s visit to the White House, as part of the Saudi delegation.
Ronaldo himself reposted a slow-motion video of him and Trump walking down the halls of the White House, captioned “TWO GOATS, CR7 x 45/47.” He has not publicly commented on the invitation to come to the United States.
The visit by the Saudi delegation, including Ronaldo, marks the first state visit from the country since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump’s meetings with the delegation culminated in the release of the AI-generated video, described as a “typically surreal” moment by observers. The White House has not responded to requests for further comment on the nature of the invitation or potential arrangements for Ronaldo’s involvement with U.S. Soccer.
