Ronaldo’s White House visit with Trump sparks global controversy
Cristiano Ronaldo visited the White House this week to meet former US President Donald Trump. The meeting took place while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was also in Washington—a trip that has drawn controversy. Social media users quickly reacted.
Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in 2023, has faced accusations of contributing to 'sportswashing'—using high-profile signings to improve a country’s image. His White House appearance came just as the Saudi leader held talks in the US, sparking further debate.
The meeting between Ronaldo and Trump has intensified criticism of the footballer’s links to Saudi Arabia. Social media backlash targeted both the visit and the White House’s framing of the event. The incident adds to ongoing debates about sports, politics, and reputation in the modern game.
