Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s visit too the White House Tuesday night did not go unnoticed.
The visit, who h occurred when President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was his first U.S. appearance in almost a decade, per Fox News.
His visit warranted a shoutout by Trump. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook were also in attendance.
“My son is a big fan of Ronaldo,” Trump said in a speech. “And Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now that I’ve introduced you. Thank you for being here, it’s an honor.”
Ronaldo spoke of Trump during an interview with Piers Morgan, stating, “he’s one of the guys that can help to change the world.”
Ronaldo, 40, plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. He signed a two-year contract extension reportedly worth more than $400 million.
With Portugal qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo will compete in his sixth tournament next summer in North America.
He and Argentina’s Lionel Messi will make history as the only players to ever appear in six men’s World Cups.
Ronaldo said this will “definitely” be his last appearance for Portugal at the World Cup.
