In brief
Cristiano Ronaldo will visit the White House, coinciding with the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit marks Ronaldo's first trip to the U.S. since 2016, during which he has faced serious allegations yet has emerged as a key figure in Saudi Arabia's sports modernization efforts. The meeting is anticipated to spotlight the evolving dynamics between sports, politics, and global diplomacy.
Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is to visit the White House on Thursday, a US official has confirmed, coinciding with a visit from the leader of Saudi Arabia, where the Portuguese currently plays.
Ronaldo is believed to have not visited the US since 2016. During this time, he has been embroiled in a sexual assault allegation made by Kathryn Mayorga, which he firmly denied. In 2019, US prosecutors decided not to charge him, citing insufficient evidence.
Although the White House official did not specify that Ronaldo is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's delegation, his role in the Saudi football league has made him a prominent figure in the country's modernization agenda.
In early 2023, Ronaldo joined Saudi club Al Nassr and reportedly earns an astronomical salary, making him the first billionaire player as per financial reports.
This visit aims to highlight Saudi Arabia's investments in sports to boost tourism and diversify its economy, as well as the rising influence of celebrities like Ronaldo in enhancing the kingdom's global image.
Ronaldo has previously referred to the Saudi Crown Prince as "our boss" and expressed his hope for a constructive dialogue on world peace during his visit to Washington.
