Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo made a notable appearance at a high-profile White House black-tie dinner on Tuesday evening, rubbing shoulders with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and tech mogul Elon Musk. The event, hosted by former US President Donald Trump, underscored the deepening ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with Trump lauding the kingdom as a “major non-NATO ally.” Ronaldo, who has become a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts through his role in the Saudi Pro League, was personally praised by Trump, who humorously noted that his son Baron was a “big fan” of the Portuguese star. The dinner also marked Elon Musk’s first visit to the White House since his resignation from the Trump administration’s Department for Government Efficiency in April, following a highly publicized feud with the former president. Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in sports and tourism, aimed at reducing its reliance on oil revenues, have drawn criticism from some quarters, with accusations of ‘sportswashing’ to divert attention from human rights concerns. Ronaldo, who has faced past allegations of sexual assault—claims he has vehemently denied—has embraced his role as a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s global image-building efforts, recently signing a lucrative two-year contract worth $400 million. His presence at the White House event highlights his continued influence both on and off the field.