This marks a rare occasion where an active football player has proactively sought a meeting with a White House leader and received a swift response.
Ronaldo previously expressed his desire for a direct conversation with Trump in a recent interview with MC Piers Morgan. The Portugal captain stated his wish to discuss world peace, believing the US president could bring about change. He also revealed sending Trump a national team jersey with the message, "president Donald J. Trump, play for peace."
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US president Donald Trump (left) and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. *Photo: Yahoo* |
The meeting occurs just months before the 2026 World Cup begins in the US, Canada, and Mexico. At 40, Ronaldo is set to become the first player in history to compete in six World Cups. While Lionel Messi has not yet decided, the Al Nassr club forward confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup.
According to NDTV, three White House officials confirmed Ronaldo's reception. The meeting coincides with Trump's reception of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. There is no evidence linking the two events. However, Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr, a top club in Saudi Arabia. In his interview with Morgan, Ronaldo referred to Mohammed bin Salman as his "boss" and mentioned the recent meeting between the two leaders in Saudi Arabia.
Portugal recently concluded their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, finishing first in Group F. The Portuguese Football Federation is negotiating to organize a friendly match with the US national team in 3/2026, seen as Ronaldo's debut before American audiences.
Trump has frequently hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other prominent sports figures in the Oval Office. Ronaldo's presence at the White House highlights sports' ongoing role as a soft power bridge in US foreign relations.
Ronaldo once told Morgan that he and Trump "share some similarities." Morgan pressed for details, but the 40-year-old forward maintained secrecy until his meeting with the US president.
By Hoang An (Source: Mirror, NDTV)
