WASHINGTON D.C. – Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo attended a White House dinner on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump for Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The event, marked by significant fanfare including a military flyover, underscores a deepening of U.S.-Saudi ties and showcases the Kingdom's strategy of leveraging sports icons to advance its global image and economic agenda.

The visit is the Crown Prince's first to the White House since 2018, a period that saw his diplomatic isolation following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Prince Mohammed likely approved the operation, a charge he has denied. President Trump defended the Saudi leader during the visit, stating "things happen" and that he did not hold the Crown Prince responsible.

Ronaldo, who plays for the Saudi club Al-Nassr, was a prominent guest at the dinner, seated near business leaders such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla founder Elon Musk. The footballer's presence is symbolic of Saudi Arabia's massive investment in sports as part of its 'Vision 2030' plan to diversify its economy away from oil. The Kingdom has reportedly invested over $6 billion in sports since 2021 and is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Saudi 'Soft Power' and its Kenyan Connection

Saudi Arabia's strategic use of sports diplomacy is part of a broader effort to enhance its international standing and attract investment. This has direct relevance for Kenya, which maintains significant economic and diplomatic relations with the Kingdom. In February 2025, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) and the Federation of Saudi Chambers signed an agreement to establish a joint business council to boost trade and investment. Kenyan exports to Saudi Arabia grew from $70.1 million in 2021 to $130 million in 2023, driven by agricultural products.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is a crucial partner for Kenya in infrastructure development, having funded numerous projects through the Saudi Fund for Development, including roads and water supply systems. The Kingdom also hosts a significant Kenyan diaspora, with over 300,000 Kenyan workers contributing to its economy. In November 2023, President William Ruto called for enhanced collaboration with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the energy sector, and positioned Kenya as a gateway for Arab investment into the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Ronaldo's Role and Lucrative Contract

Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, has become a global face for the Saudi Pro League since joining Al-Nassr in late 2022. His contract, reportedly worth around $200 million annually, makes him one of the highest-paid athletes in history. In June 2025, he signed a two-year extension that includes performance-based bonuses and a 15% stake in the club. Al-Nassr is majority-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which the Crown Prince chairs.

The high-profile meeting in Washington, which also focused on defense and technology deals, signals a new chapter in U.S.-Saudi relations. For observers in Kenya and East Africa, the event serves as a powerful illustration of how global politics, sports, and economics are increasingly intertwined, with Saudi Arabia using its financial might to reshape its international relationships and project influence on a global stage.