Trump praises Ronaldo during White House dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: 'It's an honor'

While former President Joe Biden fist bumped Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2022, President Donald Trump made a point to shake hands with the Saudi prince in 2025.

Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was seen at the White House for dinner on Tuesday night, as his appearance coincided with President Donald Trump hosting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

During the black tie affair, Ronaldo — making his first U.S. appearance in almost a decade — got a shoutout from the president.

"My son is a big fan of Ronaldo," Trump said during a speech to a group that included Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. "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."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) meets with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 18, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Ronaldo has also shared how he feels about Trump, who recently said "he’s one of the guys that can help to change the world" during an interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo has been playing in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The 40-year-old signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the club, reportedly worth more than $400 million.

Cristiano Ronaldo attends a dinner hosted by President Donald Trump for Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., Nov. 18, 2025. (REUTERS/Tom Brenner)

With Portugal qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo is set to compete in his sixth