U.S. President Donald Trump paid a special tribute to football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo during a White House dinner in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night, November 18 noting how the visit had won him more respect from within his family!
The event was held to welcome the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, to the U.S. capital. Ronaldo, who currently plays in the Saudi Pro League, attended alongside his fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez. The appearance marked Ronaldo’s first public engagement in the U.S. since he faced a 2017 rape accusation by an American teacher.
During his speech, Trump highlighted Ronaldo’s influence on his family, noting that his son, Barron, is a passionate football fan. “This room is loaded up with the biggest leaders in the world—business, sports… My son is a big fan of Ronaldo. Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you. So I just want to thank you both for being here,” Trump said. 
The tribute came amid a star-studded gathering of world leaders, sports figures, and business personalities, making it a memorable night at the White House.
Watch the video below;
President of the United States Donald Trump:
“You know, my son is a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. We have Ronaldo here, I think my son respects his father a little more now that I've introduced you. Thank you for being here, it's an honor.#WhiteHouse #CristianoRonaldo pic.twitter.com/dAmp0022hO
— Wizzy (@wizzy1UTD) November 19, 2025
