Keith Olbermann, a former sports commentator turned political commentator, took to X on Wednesday morning to criticize Cristiano Ronaldo, calling him a ‘fascist scumbag.’ The post came after Ronaldo’s visit to the White House, where he attended a dinner in honor of the Saudi crown prince. Olbermann, who has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and other Republicans, used the opportunity to take a shot at the soccer star. He shared a selfie that Ronaldo posted, which included him with Elon Musk, Gianni Infantino, and others.
Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, was at the White House for the royal event, marking his first U.S. visit in nearly a decade. His current two-year contract with the Saudi club is reportedly worth around $400 million. The visit to the White House received significant attention, as he has previously expressed admiration for Trump, calling him ‘one of the guys that can help to change the world.’ This sentiment was evident during a recent interview with Piers Morgan, where Ronaldo praised Trump’s potential to reshape the global landscape.
Trump, in turn, took the opportunity to praise Ronaldo, stating during a speech that he had introduced his son Barron to the superstar. ‘My son is a big fan of Ronaldo,’ Trump said, expressing his belief that the encounter would help foster a greater respect for his father. The event also coincided with Trump’s announcements regarding a new FIFA pass visa system, which is designed to accommodate millions of World Cup fans heading to the United States in 2026.
Ronaldo is set to participate in his sixth World Cup, a rare achievement as few players have reached this milestone. He will be joined by Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who will also be making his sixth appearance. Ronaldo has indicated this will be his last World Cup appearance for Portugal, following the team’s unexpected loss to Morocco in the previous World Cup. The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 11 and concludes on July 19, with the final match taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
While the White House visit and Trump’s praise for Ronaldo have drawn attention, the political commentary from Olbermann remains a notable point of contention. The incident highlights the intersection of sports and politics, as Ronaldo’s presence at the event has sparked diverse reactions from both fans and commentators across the political spectrum.