Last month, Ronaldo garnered attention when he met president Trump at the White House. The image of the Portuguese superstar shaking hands and conversing intimately with Mr. Trump drew mixed reactions, with some calling Ronaldo a "political pawn" of the US president. Saha, Ronaldo's former teammate during their time at Man Utd, agreed with this view.
"I don't usually comment on politics, but Ronaldo's appearance at the White House could be interpreted as an endorsement of Trump, even if he didn't intend it or want others to think that way," Saha told Pundit Arena on 3/12. "I'm surprised Cristiano chose to do this, especially compared to his earlier career."
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Ronaldo (right) entered the Oval Office for a private conversation with US president Donald Trump during a dinner party at the White House, US on 18/11. *Reuters*. |
Beyond warning Ronaldo about promoting a controversial figure, Saha also suspected that the 40-year-old superstar might have asked Trump to persuade FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reduce his penalty for a direct red card in Portugal's loss to Republic of Ireland during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. FIFA's final decision faced significant criticism for only banning Ronaldo for one mandatory match and two suspended matches over a one-year probationary period.
"I think there was an impact. I don't know if he understood the consequences of that trip," Saha added. "I remember when he simply moved two soda bottles during a press conference, and the world went wild. Cristiano always has a massive and far-reaching influence globally."
Ronaldo and Saha played together at Man Utd from 2004 to 2008, a period when the Red Devils won the Champions League, two Premier League titles, and the League Cup. Saha retired in 2013, while Ronaldo continues to play, currently with Al Nassr.
Following FIFA's ruling, Ronaldo has served his suspension after Portugal's victory over Armenia. Barring injury or personal issues, he is expected to rejoin the national team in 3/2026, when Portugal plays friendly matches against Mexico and the United States, co-hosts of the World Cup 2026.
Vy Anh
