Cristiano Ronaldo attends White House dinner

"Trump, in his speech, made a point of recognizing Ronaldo, whom he said he introduced to his teenage son. Trump thanked the athlete for attending. He said that his youngest son, Barron, is a "big fan" of Ronaldo and the 19-year-old was impressed that he got to meet the soccer player. It will also be a rare U.S. visit for Ronaldo, who hasn't played in the country since 2014."

"Ronaldo has been the face of the Saudi soccer league since joining Saudi club Al Nassr at the end of 2022 on a reported $200 million-a-year contract. The 40-year-old Portuguese star signed a two-year extension in June with Al Nassr, which is majority owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund that the crown prince chairs. Trump thanked the athlete for attending."

Cristiano Ronaldo attended a White House state dinner for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and sat near the front of the East Room. President Trump recognized Ronaldo and said he introduced him to his teenage son Barron, who is a "big fan." Ronaldo joined Saudi club Al Nassr on a reported $200 million-a-year contract and later signed an extension; Al Nassr is majority owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund chaired by the crown prince. Prince Mohammed returned to Washington after diplomatic isolation following Jamal Khashoggi's killing, which U.S. intelligence assessed he likely directed; he denies involvement. In 2017, Der Spiegel reported a hush-money payment related to a 2009 allegation; Ronaldo's lawyers said the sex was consensual and no criminal charges were filed.

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