Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister has publicly defended the football star after criticism erupted over his recent visit to the White House, stressing that he did nothing more than attend a formal invitation and meet US President Donald Trump.
The Portuguese forward and his fiancée, Georgina Rodríguez, travelled to Washington DC earlier this week for a black-tie event involving political and business leaders from around the world.
They later toured parts of the White House, including the Oval Office, while briefly walking with Trump outside the venue.
The visit triggered a backlash on social media, where some of Ronaldo’s detractors objected to his appearance alongside the US President.
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Others questioned why the athlete, who rarely comments on political issues, would attend such an event.
There has been no indication that Ronaldo endorsed any political agenda during the visit, nor any evidence suggesting he engaged in anything beyond a formal courtesy meeting and dinner.
In response to online anger, the star’s older sister, Katia Aveiro, posted a forceful video defending him.
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Cristiano Ronaldo attended a formal White House gathering on Tuesday evening, where he was pictured laughing alongside Donald Trump | XAveiro described her brother as someone “who never needed favors, parties, ideologies or scripted speeches,” arguing that his achievements were the product of work, not political influence.
“He only needed hard work. Something that many of his critics only know by hearing about,” she said.
Aveiro accused critics of overreacting to a simple appearance at a government building.
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Cristiano Ronaldo pictured at the White House on Tuesday | REUTERS“He visits the White House, and suddenly it’s a nuclear emotional explosion!” she said.
“Hypocrites, you’re all hypocrites! Suddenly, such a huge hysteria breaks out, as if Cristiano had just announced the end of the world. A visit to the White House becomes, in some people’s minds, a diplomatic crime.”
She went on to praise Ronaldo’s contributions to Portuguese sport, stating: “For 20 years, he has carried Portugal on his shoulders.
"He came from poverty, and he built an empire without any shortcuts.
"Do you really think he will lose a single neuron worrying because a few outraged people decided to pretend [it is a] scandal?”
Aveiro’s message concluded with a tribute: “Cristiano Ronaldo has done more for the country than any roundtable discussion.
"He put Portugal in the conversation with the greatest. And what have you done?
"Thank you, Cristiano Ronaldo, for everything you’ve done for our country. I am proud of you as big as the world.”
Ronaldo himself refrained from engaging in controversy. After the event, he posted a simple message thanking Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for their welcome.
“Thank you Mr President for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife,” he wrote.
“Each of us has something meaningful to give, and I stand ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace.”
During the dinner, Trump introduced Ronaldo to guests and jokingly credited the meeting with earning “a little more respect” from his football-loving son, Barron. The White House later released footage of Ronaldo, Rodríguez and Trump walking together, captioning it: “Two GOATS. CR7 x 45/47.”