Ronaldo, Elon Musk attend Trump’s dinner Saudi Crown Prince

By Admin

19 Nov, 2025

In a glittering diplomatic event at the White House on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted a high-profile dinner to honour Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman   an evening that saw major global figures in attendance, including football legend Cristiano Ronaldo and tech magnate Elon Musk.

Star-Studded Evening at the East Room

Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was seated near the front of the East Room, close to where President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed delivered remarks to officials from both nations. The guest list included some of the world’s most influential business leaders, such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla founder Elon Musk, making it one of the most high-profile White House gatherings of the year.

Trump made a point to acknowledge Ronaldo during his speech, telling attendees that he had introduced the football star to his youngest son, Barron. “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 joked as the audience responded warmly.

Ronaldo’s Growing Ties with Saudi Arabia

Ronaldo, who has been the global face of the Saudi Pro League since joining Al-Nassr in late 2022 on a reported $200 million-a-year contract, continues to maintain a strong presence in the kingdom. The 40-year-old star also signed a two-year extension in June with Al-Nassr   a club majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, chaired by the Crown Prince.

His U.S. visits are rare; Ronaldo has not played in an American stadium since 2014. Despite past controversies, including a 2017 Der Spiegel report regarding allegations dating back to 2009   which Ronaldo has denied   the football icon remains one of the world’s most influential athletes.

World Cup Spotlight

Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after a fast-tracked bidding process designed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino effectively cleared the path for the kingdom. Ronaldo actively promoted the bid and later praised the decision, saying he believed 2034 could be “the best World Cup ever.”

On the field, Ronaldo prepares for a historic milestone: competing in a record sixth World Cup next year. Portugal has qualified for the 2026 edition, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. However, Ronaldo is expected to miss Portugal’s opening match after receiving the first red card of his 23-year national team career last week.

Portugal will discover its group-stage opponents on December 5 during the official draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington   an event Mr. Trump will attend. The President has displayed strong enthusiasm for the 2026 World Cup, even keeping a replica of the golden trophy in the Oval Office, loaned by Infantino himself.

A Possible Musk–Trump Reconciliation?

Another notable attendee at the event was Elon Musk. His presence marks the second time the Tesla CEO has appeared publicly alongside President Trump since their bitter fallout earlier this year.

Musk had been an early supporter of Trump’s administration, even leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and spearheading drastic cuts to federal budgets and staffing. But the relationship soured when Musk openly criticised Trump’s tax and spending bill, calling it fiscally irresponsible and threatening to form a new political party. Trump retaliated by threatening to end federal subsidies for Musk’s companies   a move that damaged Tesla’s public image and performance, according to analysts.

While the two have seldom been seen together since, their handshake at a memorial event in September hinted at a thaw. Musk’s attendance at this White House dinner may signal a further reconciliation between the two powerful figures.

Diplomatic Significance of the Crown Prince’s Visit

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House is his first since 2018, following a period of strained relations after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. U.S. intelligence agencies assessed that the Crown Prince likely approved the operation, though he has consistently denied involvement.

His presence at the dinner marks a symbolic restoration of ties and a renewed phase in U.S.–Saudi relations, now increasingly shaped by investments, sports partnerships, defence ties, and shared strategic interests.