President Trump Says Son Barron ‘Respects His Father’ More After Meeting Cristiano Ronaldo
Former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that his son Barron Trump gained a “little more respect” for him after being introduced to football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo during a high-profile White House event.
Ronaldo attended a glamorous dinner honoring Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday. Trump highlighted the football legend’s presence during his remarks, noting that he made sure to introduce the Portuguese icon to his 19-year-old son.
“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 while addressing Ronaldo and the audience.
Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabia Connection
Cristiano Ronaldo has been the global face of the Saudi Pro League since joining Al-Nassr at the end of 2022 on a reported £178 million-a-year contract. The 40-year-old forward signed a two-year extension in June.
Al-Nassr is majority owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Ronaldo rarely visits the United States and has not played a competitive match there since 2014, making his White House appearance especially noteworthy.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s First Visit Since 2018
The event marked the crown prince’s first visit to the U.S. since 2018, following diplomatic tensions after the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that the crown prince likely approved the operation—an allegation he has denied.
Ronaldo’s Global Influence and World Cup Role
Ronaldo played a key role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. After the hosting rights were confirmed last December, he predicted it would be “the best World Cup ever.”
Portugal has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ronaldo is set to appear in his record sixth World Cup. However, he will miss Portugal’s first match next June due to a red card received in a recent game against the Republic of Ireland.
The World Cup draw is scheduled to take place in Washington in two weeks, and Donald Trump is expected to attend the ceremony at the Kennedy Center. Trump has frequently highlighted his ties to the tournament, proudly displaying a replica of the World Cup trophy—loaned by FIFA President Gianni Infantino—in the Oval Office.
Controversies Surrounding Ronaldo
Ronaldo has faced off-field controversies during his career. In 2017, Der Spiegel reported that he paid £300,000 in a settlement to a woman who accused him of rape in 2009. Ronaldo strongly denied the allegations, insisting the encounter was consensual. No criminal charges were filed.
