Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese soccer player, recently expressed his gratitude on Instagram to former U.S. President Donald Trump for the warm hospitality he received during his White House visit. The 40-year-old soccer icon, who plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, shared a heartfelt message thanking Trump for the invitation and the hospitality, acknowledging the significance of the meeting. Ronaldo’s visit marked his first return to the United States in nearly a decade, and the event was highlighted by a video shared by the White House showing the two walking through the presidential mansion, captioned ‘Two GOATS. CR7 x 45/47.’ This reference pointed to both Ronaldo’s and Trump’s impressive careers, with Ronaldo’s nickname ‘CR7’ and Trump’s age as 45 and 47, a playful nod to their respective achievements.
Ronaldo, who was also present at a dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasized his readiness to contribute to global initiatives, stating, ‘Each of us has something meaningful to give, and I stand ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace.’ Trump, during a speech that also included Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook, praised Ronaldo’s influence on his son and acknowledged the significance of their meeting.
The visit generated significant media attention, including a critical comment from Fox News host Keith Olbermann, who labeled Ronaldo a ‘fascist scumbag’ after the visit. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has publicly expressed admiration for Trump, stating in a recent interview with Piers Morgan that the former president is ‘one of the guys that can help to change the world.’ This sentiment aligns with broader discussions about Trump’s impact on global affairs, particularly in the context of his extensive involvement in international sports, including his role in preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ronaldo’s potential return to the World Cup stage has also sparked interest, as Portugal is set to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, marking his sixth appearance in the tournament. This would make him the first player to reach six men’s World Cups alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi, a historic feat in the sport. Ronaldo has hinted that this may be his final World Cup appearance, especially following Portugal’s loss to Morocco in the previous tournament. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the U.S. continues to play a significant role in global football, with the final match scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
Additionally, Ronaldo’s two-year contract with Al-Nassr, reportedly worth $400 million, underscores the financial stakes of his international career. However, the financial implications of his association with Trump and Saudi royal interests have also drawn attention, raising questions about the intersection of sports, politics, and business in the global arena. With the White House visit and his future World Cup prospects, Ronaldo’s influence continues to extend far beyond the football pitch, shaping global conversations about sports, leadership, and international relations.