President Donald Trump praised Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo Monday night and disclosed that his son Barron is an enormous admirer of the star athlete following Ronaldo's appearance at an elite White House state dinner, US Sun reported.
🚨🤳🏼 Cristiano Ronaldo's selfie after visiting president Donald Trump at the White House.@DavidSacks 📸 pic.twitter.com/dnBw0f3Z4B
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2025
The 40-year-old Portuguese icon attended the presidential gathering with Trump after a significant diplomatic session with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Dressed in formal black evening wear, the footballer sat among prominent figures, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance.
Praising the sports celebrity, Trump stated: "This room is loaded up with the biggest leaders in the world – business, sports…" Trump continued: "My son is a big fan of Ronaldo… Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now – just the fact that I introduced you." The president concluded: "So I just want to thank you both for being here," US Sun reported.
The footballer, currently competing in the Saudi Pro League, initially appeared to be traveling as part of the crown prince's official party – an individual he refers to as his "boss," according to US Sun. However, he arrived in Washington via separate channels from the Saudi delegation in the afternoon. The crown prince, commonly referenced as MBS, contributed substantial financial resources to Ronaldo, the first footballer to achieve billionaire status, following his recruitment to compete for Al-Nassr in the Middle Eastern nation during 2023, US Sun reported.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo expressed his aspiration to meet Trump, whom he characterized as the president of peace. Ronaldo stated: "He is one of the guys who can help to change the world. One of the most important people is the US President." He elaborated: "If we can help each other to make this happen… I swear I cannot watch TV. Sometimes I start to see the news and I cannot…" Ronaldo added: "He is one of the guys I wish to meet to sit and have a nice talk." He continued: "If it is here, or in the US, wherever he wants, I know he was here in Saudi Arabia with our boss MBS." Ronaldo concluded: "I wish one day to meet him because he is one of the guys who can make things happen and I like people like that," according to US Sun.
Earlier this year, President Trump received a Portugal national team jersey bearing Ronaldo's signature, inscribed with the message: "To President Donald J. Trump, Playing for Peace," US Sun noted.
