Cristiano Ronaldo attended a formal White House gathering on Tuesday evening, where he was pictured laughing alongside Donald Trump.
Footage released by the White House showed the pair walking together, accompanied by Ronaldo's partner, Georgina Rodriguez, with officials labelling them "Two GOATS" in their social media post.
The American president and the football icon spent time together before the formal proceedings, strolling through the Presidential Walk of Fame.
The visit marked Ronaldo's first public visit to America since facing sexual assault accusations in 2017.
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The Portuguese striker joined Saudi Arabia's official party at the black-tie reception hosted by President Donald Trump.
The 40-year-old Al-Nassr player has consistently rejected claims made by former educator Kathryn Mayorga, who alleged an incident occurred at a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.
A US court dismissed the case in 2022 after finding that Mayorga's legal representative had improperly used documents obtained in violation of the law.
Since the accusations emerged in the German media outlet Der Spiegel in 2017, Ronaldo has avoided participating in American exhibitions or pre-season matches whilst representing Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United and his current Saudi club.
Cristiano Ronaldo attended a formal White House gathering on Tuesday evening, where he was pictured laughing alongside Donald Trump
|X
During his address to guests, Trump acknowledged Ronaldo's presence and revealed how meeting the footballer had impressed his youngest son.
"Barron got to meet him and I think he respects his father a little bit more now - just the fact that I introduced you," Trump told the assembled dignitaries.
The President's remarks highlighted his son's enthusiasm for football, whilst thanking Ronaldo for providing him with additional standing in Barron's eyes through facilitating their introduction.
The East Room gathering brought together prominent figures from technology, business and sport.
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Two GOATS.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 19, 2025
CR7 x 45/47@Cristiano 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QA4Dw0s1lr
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk attended alongside Vice President JD Vance, whilst other notable guests included Donald Trump Jr, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Apple's Tim Cook.
Technology entrepreneur David Sacks shared a group photograph from the evening, captured by Ronaldo himself.
The image featured Sacks, Musk, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Rodriguez and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Cristiano Ronaldo attended alongside Saudi chiefs
|REUTERS
The Saudi delegation's visit represented Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's first American trip since US intelligence services linked him to journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Trump dismissed questions about the matter during an Oval Office meeting earlier that day, stating the Crown Prince "knew nothing about it".
Ronaldo's American appearance carries particular weight with the 2026 World Cup approaching, as most matches will take place in the United States.
Portugal secured their tournament qualification on Sunday and has arranged a March exhibition match against the US team in Atlanta.
The Portuguese striker joined Saudi Arabia's official party at the black-tie reception hosted by President Donald Trump
|REUTERS
The footballer had previously attempted to establish contact with Trump, sending a signed Portugal shirt in July through Portuguese European Council president Antonio Costa bearing the message "To president Donald J. Trump, Playing for Peace."
Speaking to Piers Morgan last week, Ronaldo expressed admiration for Trump's diplomatic capabilities.
He said: "He is one of the guys who can help to change the world," adding his desire for a future meeting.
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