Cristiano Ronaldo is scheduled to visit the White House on Tuesday, coinciding with the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A U.S. official confirmed Ronaldo’s attendance but did not specify whether he is part of the Crown Prince’s official delegation. Ronaldo currently plays for a Saudi football club, Al Nassr, and his role has made him a prominent figure in the country’s modernization efforts aimed at diversifying its economy.
Ronaldo has not visited the U.S. since 2016, during which time he faced a sexual assault allegation made by Kathryn Mayorga, who claimed that Ronaldo raped her in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. Ronaldo has denied these allegations, asserting that he firmly rejects any claims of criminal behavior. In 2019, U.S. prosecutors decided not to charge him, stating that the evidence was insufficient.
In early 2023, Ronaldo joined the Saudi Pro League and became the face of Al Nassr, a club owned by the Public Investment Fund led by the Crown Prince. His compensation in the Saudi league is noteworthy, reportedly amounting to $200 million annually. In June, he signed a new contract reportedly worth $400 million over two years, making him the first billionaire football player with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion.
Ronaldo’s presence aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to enhance its global image through sports and tourism, as noted by experts. He has publicly referred to the Crown Prince as “our boss” and attended a recent Ministry of Tourism event to promote the kingdom’s developmental initiatives, including aspirations for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. During his upcoming meeting with the U.S. president, Ronaldo has expressed hopes for discussions centered on achieving peace.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c993e74pxd7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss