WASHINGTON: Portugal’s football icon Cristiano Ronaldo made an unexpected appearance at the White House on Tuesday, attending a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The high-profile visit comes as the Saudi leader continues efforts to restore his global image following the 2018 killing of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, while also working to strengthen relations with Washington.
Ronaldo, who has scored more than 950 career goals for club and country, is currently contracted with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League until 2027. The club is majority owned by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, reflecting the deepening ties between global sport and Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments.
His presence at the meeting added a notable sporting dimension to an event centered on political and diplomatic discussions.
