Trump hails Ronaldo’s role in the Middle East
By Eno Udo
US President Donald Trump has described Cristiano Ronaldo as a star who has contributed to peace and prosperity in the Middle East.
While welcoming Ronaldo to the White House on Tuesday, Trump also said that the Portuguese international is his son, Bradon’s hero.
Ronaldo was on the business delegation of the Saudi Arabian government, led by the country’s leader Crown Prince Mohammed ibn Salman, that visited Trump.
At a special dinner to host the delegation, Trump described Ronaldo as ” a true partner for peace and prosperity in the Middle East.” He was obviously referring to how the Saudi sports outlook has gained more international acclaim since Ronaldo signed up with Al-Nassr club where he is also the captain.
He also believes that the Ronaldo effect has brought about prosperity to the Saudi sports development and invariably peace.
Earlier, Trump had introduced Bradon to Ronaldo and spoken of how much his son cherished the moment.
Later, he gave a golden key gift to Ronaldo. It is said to be a symbolic key to the White House, which he has given to only four individuals since his presidency. They are Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso.
Ronaldo, who was accompanied by his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, was later shown round the White House.
Of late, Trump has been meeting sport stars as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mexico and Canada.
On 6 November 2025, Trump met Lionel Messi of Argentina at the American Business Forum held at Kaseya Centre in Miami. Among other stars at the event were Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. There, Messi told the forum that winning the world has left in him a lasting feeling of joy such as he felt at the birth of his children.