Cristiano Ronaldo set to meet Donald Trump today in rare visit to US | Football | Sport
United States President Donald Trump is preparing to roll out the red carpet for football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at the White House on Tuesday, following Portugal’s successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo, who will be one of the star attractions at next year’s tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is also expected to face off against the United States men’s national team in a friendly match ahead of the World Cup.
Trump, who has previously hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Oval Office, is now set to meet one of football’s greatest ever players, in Ronaldo’s first public appearance in the US in nearly 10 years. Ronaldo had recently expressed his desire to meet with Trump, a wish that has now been granted.
The Athletic claim that Ronaldo’s planned visit coincides with Trump’s scheduled meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is yet to be determined whether the two meetings are linked, considering Ronaldo currently plays football in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr.
“We’re more than meeting,” Trump said of the Saudi prince on Friday. “We’re honouring Saudi Arabia, the crown prince.”
Ronaldo unexpectedly disclosed his desire to meet Trump during an interview with Piers Morgan. Trump has maintained a long-standing friendship with Morgan and hosted Celebrity Apprentice when the broadcaster won the reality television show in 2008.
Morgan questioned Ronaldo about a signed shirt he had sent to Trump, bearing the message: “President Donald J. Trump, playing for peace.”
Ronaldo explained: “If the world is at peace, that’s our goal. He’s one of the people who can change or help change the world. And that’s my main objective: to meet Trump and talk about world peace. If you can make it happen, he’s someone I’d really like to sit down with.”
Ronaldo made clear he would be pleased to welcome Trump to Saudi Arabia if required, but instead, he will travel to meet the US President.
“Here, in the United States – wherever it happens, I’d like to meet him,” Ronaldo added. “I know he’s been to Saudi Arabia. I hope to sit down with him someday because he’s one of those people I really like. I think he can make things happen, and I respect people like that.”
Ronaldo then suggested he shares certain characteristics with Trump, but refused to disclose what they are.
“I hope the world finds a path to peace soon,” Ronaldo explained. “That’s what I’m looking for. And someday, I’ll tell him what we have in common. But I’ll keep it to myself until that moment.”
Ronaldo was missing from Portugal’s recent World Cup qualifier due to a one-match suspension for elbowing Ireland’s defender Dara O’Shea.
