Post by : Rameen Ariff

On Tuesday evening, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo stole the spotlight at a prestigious White House dinner, sharing the stage with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The event attracted notable personalities like tech mogul Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook, emphasizing the convergence of sports, politics, and business.

Prior to the gathering, US President Donald Trump expressed his delight in hosting Ronaldo, commending the athlete’s pivotal role in the Saudi Pro League and his vital contributions to the kingdom's ambitious modernization efforts. The Crown Prince has been advocating for initiatives that lessen the country's reliance on oil, significantly investing in sports, tourism, and cultural sectors to revamp Saudi Arabia's global image.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia at the start of 2023, is reportedly raking in over $200 million a year, marking him as one of the highest-earning athletes ever. Earlier this year, he signed a lucrative two-year contract worth around $400 million, making him the first footballer to become a billionaire, with a net worth of $1.4 billion. His move to Saudi Arabia and his close relationship with the Crown Prince have drawn international attention towards accusations of “sportswashing,” wherein prominent sports figures are used to enhance a nation’s image amidst human rights issues and environmental debates.

During his speech at the dinner, Trump stressed the strong connections between the United States and Saudi Arabia, naming the kingdom a “major non-NATO ally.” He also shared a personal note about Ronaldo, revealing that his son is a fan of the football superstar. This visit to the White House is among Ronaldo's first trips to the US since 2016, amidst a career filled with remarkable successes.

Despite facing past allegations of sexual assault in the United States—which he has denied and were not pursued by prosecutors—Ronaldo has solidified his status as a global icon. His alliance with Saudi Arabia mirrors both his professional achievements and the kingdom's strategic maneuvering in global sports.

Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, remarked, “Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in notable events and individuals to enhance its international stature in sports and tourism as part of its modernization drive.” In interviews, Ronaldo has praised the Crown Prince, referring to him as “our boss” and endorsing Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The dinner, which brought together top personalities from the sports and business realms, reflects the rising significance of sports diplomacy and the intricate relationship between star power, diplomacy, and national perception. Ronaldo’s role illustrates how contemporary athletes transcend the playing field, becoming pivotal components of global branding strategies beyond sports arenas.

This notable gathering in Washington, D.C. rekindles debates surrounding the ethical ramifications of sportswashing, human rights issues, and the impact of celebrity influence in shaping political and cultural narratives globally.

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