Former sports commentator Keith Olbermann has taken to social media to criticize Cristiano Ronaldo, calling the soccer star a ‘fascist scumbag’ following Ronaldo’s recent White House visit. The incident occurred during a dinner hosted for the Saudi crown prince, marking Ronaldo’s first trip to the United States in nearly a decade. The former pundit’s outburst has drawn attention to the broader political dynamics between sports figures and public figures.
Ronaldo, who is currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, was at the event, which drew the ire of Olbermann, who has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and other Republicans. Olbermann’s post, which included a selfie shared by Ronaldo with Elon Musk, Gianni Infantino, and others, is seen as a commentary on the growing tensions between sports and politics. The former sports commentator’s outburst highlights the ongoing debate over the role of public figures in shaping political discourse.
In addition to the criticism, Ronaldo has publicly expressed his support for Trump, stating that the former President will ‘help to change the world,’ during an interview with Piers Morgan. This has further fueled the controversy, with some arguing that Ronaldo’s association with Trump has drawn unwanted attention to his political views. The incident has sparked a wider discussion about the influence of sports figures in political matters, with some suggesting that Ronaldo’s presence at the White House was a strategic move to align with Trump’s political agenda.
With Portugal qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo will be making his sixth appearance in the tournament, alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who will also be making history as the only players to ever appear in six men’s World Cups. Ronaldo has stated that this will be his last appearance for Portugal, following the team’s recent loss to Morocco in the previous World Cup. Trump, who has been heavily involved in the sport, is preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event is set to begin on June 11, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.