Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo and billionaire Elon Musk were among the high-profile guests at a lavish White House dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The event brought together influential figures from sports, technology, and global politics, drawing wide interest due to the mix of personalities and the long and complex relationships surrounding them.
Why Did Ronaldo Attend the White House Dinner?
Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi club Al Nassr, one of several clubs investing heavily in veteran football stars. His contract with the club ends this summer, yet he remains one of the most globally recognised athletes. On Tuesday, he took a seat near the head of Trump’s dinner table just moments before the president and the Saudi crown prince entered. Trump highlighted Ronaldo during his pre-dinner remarks, saying, “You know, my son is a big fan of Ronaldo,” and added that his 19-year-old son Barron had the chance to meet the football icon. Trump joked, “I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you.”
Ronaldo was not the only football figure present. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino attended as well, continuing his frequent appearances at the White House ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host. Ronaldo has already confirmed that next year’s tournament, for which Portugal secured qualification on Sunday, will “definitely” be his last.
Why Was Elon Musk at the Dinner After Their Past Fallout?
Also present was SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, signalling a shift after months of tension between him and the president. Musk previously led the Department of Government Efficiency for five months and joined Trump on a trip to Saudi Arabia in May. Their relationship deteriorated in July when Musk criticised Trump’s major spending bill and later mentioned that the president appeared in investigatory files linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump responded by threatening Musk with deportation.
At the dinner, Musk appeared relaxed as he mingled with guests at a separate candlelit table. His presence suggested that their public disputes may have cooled, at least temporarily.
During the evening, Trump also praised the Saudi crown prince as a “man of leadership,” reinforcing his long-standing support for the royal despite global criticism following the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The dinner ultimately became a mix of diplomacy, celebrity presence, and renewed connections, drawing considerable attention from both political and sports audiences worldwide.
By Yockshard Enyendi