Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is set to visit the White House on Thursday, as confirmed by a US official. Notably, this visit coincides with that of Saudi Arabia's leader, Mohammed bin Salman, a patron of the Saudi league in which Ronaldo currently plays.
The visit marks Ronaldo's first trip to the US since 2016, when he attended events in Las Vegas. His return to the country is shadowed by past allegations of sexual assault, which he has firmly denied, describing the accusations as an abominable crime contrary to his values.
In 2019, US prosecutors determined that the claims could not be substantiated, and no charges were filed against Ronaldo. Despite this, his affiliation with Saudi Arabia has positioned him as a key figure in the nation's strategy for economic diversification through sports.
Ronaldo made headlines earlier this year by joining the Saudi Pro League, taking on the role of captain for Al Nassr, a club owned by the crown prince's sovereign fund. Reports indicate that his financial agreement with the league could amount to an astonishing $200 million annually, culminating in agreements worth $400 million over two years that position him as football's first billionaire.
Analysts suggest that Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in international sports figures like Ronaldo to enhance its global image as part of a broader modernization agenda. During an earlier event in the kingdom, Ronaldo referred to the crown prince as 'our boss,' highlighting his close ties to the leadership.
The upcoming meeting with President Trump could serve multiple purposes. Ronaldo hopes to discuss broader issues, including aspirations for world peace, as indicated by his previous exchanges with Trump and the Portuguese president gifting Trump a signed jersey during a visit. This convergence of sports and diplomacy reflects the growing intersection of celebrity and politics on the world stage.
