Cristiano Ronaldo has visited the White House for discussions with President Donald Trump, marking his first high-profile appearance on American soil in nearly a decade.
The Portuguese striker's arrival coincides with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's state visit to Washington DC.
Multiple White House sources have confirmed the 40-year-old Al-Nassr player's attendance at the diplomatic gathering.
The meeting fulfils Ronaldo's recently expressed wish to engage with Mr Trump on matters of global significance.
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The footballer's journey from Riyadh to Washington on Monday evening was closely monitored by supporters, with his fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, documenting their transatlantic flight and arrival in the US capital on social media.
Today's encounter represents Ronaldo's most prominent US appearance since 2014, when he last competed on American soil.
The Portuguese superstar recently revealed his ambitions to engage with the Potus.
"If the world is at peace, that's our goal," Ronaldo told Piers Morgan. "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."
Cristiano Ronaldo has visited the White House for discussions with President Donald Trump
|GETTY
In July, European Council president Antonio Costa presented Trump with a Portugal shirt bearing Ronaldo's signature and the inscription: "To President Donald J. Trump, Playing for Peace."
During the Morgan interview, Ronaldo expressed eagerness to arrange a meeting regardless of location.
He said: "If it is here, or in the US, wherever he wants. I wish one day to meet him because he is one of the guys who can make things happen and I like people like that."
Portugal and the United States are finalising arrangements for an exhibition match scheduled for March 2026 at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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The Portuguese striker's arrival coincides with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's state visit to Washington
|REUTERS
The encounter will serve as preparation for the World Cup tournament, which the US will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
The fixture would mark Ronaldo's return to competitive action in America after a 12-year absence.
His most recent appearance came in August 2014, when he entered as a substitute for Real Madrid in a friendly against Manchester United before 109,318 spectators at Michigan Stadium.
The veteran forward has indicated the 2026 World Cup will "definitely" be his final major international tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night
| GETTYHowever, he faces a potential two-match suspension following his red card for elbowing Ireland's Dara O'Shea during Portugal's recent qualifier defeat.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has avoided American venues whilst representing Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United and his current Saudi Arabian club.
His absence in the US has been magnified since 2017 when the German newspaper Der Spiegel revealed details of an alleged sexual assault involving the player and the model Kathryn Mayorga during a holiday in Las Vegas in 2009.
Ronaldo has always strenuously denied the claims, for which charges have never been brought.
Cristiano Ronaldo's participation in today's summit highlights his position as the Saudi Pro League's most prominent ambassador
| REUTERSHis participation in today's summit highlights his position as the Saudi Pro League's most prominent ambassador.
The footballer described Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as "our boss" during his Morgan interview, acknowledging the Saudi leader's role in transforming the kingdom's football landscape through substantial investment.
The diplomatic gathering marks the Crown Prince's first visit to Washington in seven years.
Mr Trump indicated the significance of the occasion on Friday.
He said: "We're more than meeting. We're honouring Saudi Arabia, the crown prince."
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