Cristiano Ronaldo attended a dinner at the White House. The Al-Nassr attacker was among the guests at an evening organized by Donald Trump to strengthen ties between Washington and Riyadh. An evening in black tuxedos bringing together the most influential figures from the world of business, technology and sport. Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, was present. Elon Musk too. But it was Ronaldo who caught all the eyes. Trump greeted him warmly in front of the assembly : “My son Barron is a big Ronaldo fan. He met him, and I think he respects his father a little more now, just because I introduced you to him. » Then, after dinner, Ronaldo posted a message on Instagram. An intriguing message.
Ronaldo promises Trump: ‘I’m ready to do my part’
“Thank you Mr. President for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady extended to me and my future wife, Georgina. Each of us has something meaningful to contribute, and I am ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace. » A carefully formulated, almost institutional message. But what does “I’m willing to do my part” mean? Is Ronaldo taking on a diplomatic role for Saudi Arabia? Is he becoming an unofficial ambassador between Riyadh and Washington?
Ronaldo no longer hides his importance in the Saudi soft power strategy. Since his arrival at Al-Nassr in 2023 for a contract of 200 million dollars per year, then an extension last June to 400 million over two years, the Portuguese embodies the face of Saudi football. He represents much more than a player: he has become a diplomatic instrument. His presence at this dinner alongside the Saudi delegation confirms this. Ronaldo is now playing in the big leagues, that of world leaders and influential billionaires. His personal fortune reaches $1.4 billion according to Bloomberg.
An emerging political role
On a sporting level, Ronaldo is going through a delicate period. Suspended after the first red card of his international career against Ireland, he missed Portugal’s crushing 9-0 victory against Armenia which sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup. He has two games of suspension remaining, and could miss Portugal’s first match next June if the Portuguese federation fails to reduce the sanction. Roberto Martinez, Portuguese coach, denounced an excessive sanction for a reaction to a provocation.
At 41 years old during the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo will play his last international tournament. But in the meantime, he is building another career, that of a global influencer serving Saudi Arabia. This message published after the dinner at the White House is not insignificant. Ronaldo positions himself as a political actor, capable of influencing international relations. “I am ready to do my part” rings like a promise. But a promise of what, exactly? Only Trump, Ronaldo and the Saudis know that.
