Trump Surprises Everyone by Praising Cristiano Ronaldo in Shocking White House Moment
President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Cristiano Ronaldo for attending the White House on Tuesday, humorously noting that his son would now hold him in higher regard due to his admiration for the global football superstar.
The exact reason for Al Nassr's captain being in Washington D.C. was never formally explained, though it notably aligned with a reception for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose sovereign wealth fund holds a controlling interest in Al Nassr, has been referred to by Ronaldo as his "employer."
Bin Salman was invited onto the stage during a visit to explore "reciprocal investment" opportunities between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Ronaldo did not participate in those prominent discussions and remained seated throughout the formal evening event at a central table alongside a Saudi representative. Nevertheless, the Portuguese legend received recognition from the 45th and 47th President from his podium.
"My son is a huge admirer of Ronaldo—wherever Ronaldo may be, here," Trump declared, generating enthusiastic applause from the attending guests. "And Barron had the opportunity to meet him, and I believe he holds his father in slightly higher esteem now, simply because I facilitated that introduction.
"So, I simply want to express my appreciation to you both for attending."
Barron Trump is recognized as an avid football enthusiast. Standing impressively tall at 6'9", surpassing his father and most others in height, Trump Jr. previously participated in D.C. United's youth program during a period when he crossed paths with Ronaldo's former Manchester United colleague Wayne Rooney.
At a White House holiday celebration in 2018, Rooney also encountered the Trump family. "He [Donald] requested that I provide his son with some football coaching," the former England skipper recounted.
Rooney's spouse Coleen also recalled the occasion: "So we entered and had the official photograph taken before the Christmas tree and such. Then Donald Trump told his son, 'See? I told you, all the soccer players attract the beautiful women.' And I shared this with my mother. I was like, 'Inappropriate man.'"
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Ambassador
Portugal national team coach Roberto Martínez strongly supported his captain's White House appearance, suggesting the former Real Madrid icon would serve as an excellent representative for the country.
"Cristiano, regardless of his position or team, embodies the national squad and also the Portuguese citizens, wherever he may be," Martínez informed CNN Portugal. "Therefore, for us, it's positive news and I have great confidence in what Cristiano can accomplish as an ambassador and contribute through his example, not just in football."
Prior to the visit, Ronaldo had already expressed his interest in meeting with Trump. "He is among the individuals I would like to encounter for a pleasant conversation," the 40-year-old shared with Piers Morgan earlier this month. "I hope someday to meet him because he is among those who can make things occur and I appreciate people with that quality."