The portuguese star of the soccer Cristiano Ronaldo and the billionaire Elon Musk They attended a Tuesday lavish banquet organized in the White House by President Donald Trump in honor to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on an official visit.
Cristiano Ronaldo play currently in the Saudi club Al Nassrlike many professionals in the twilight of their career seduced by the astronomical expenses of the kingdom, criticized for its record on human rights.
He player of 40 yearswhose contract with his team expires this summer, ranked high, not far behind Trump. “My son is a big Ronaldo fan,” Trump declared in his speech before the dinner, adding that Barron, 19, was able to meet the star, who will play in his last World Cup next year.
Musk approach
Also present was the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantinowho made a new appearance at the White House ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States.
He billionaire Elon Musk He also attended, sitting at a different table from Trump, although in a sign of a rapprochement between the president and the richest man in the world. Musk headed the government effectiveness commission created by Trump, but tensions between the two erupted in June after his criticism of a budget bill.
During dinner, the Republican magnate praised al saudi princedescribing it as “leadership man”after having defended his guest in the case of murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
“Things that happen”
Seven years ago, during the first term of Donald Trumphe Periodian of the Khashogy Remoid was murdered and dismembered in it Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul. The US intelligence attributed to the prince Mohamed bin Salman haber orchestrated the operation. This Tuesday, in the first visit to the White House since then of the de facto regent of Riyadh, Trump defended him: “Things that happen”he has come to say.
