Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his gratitude on Wednesday to U.S. President Donald Trump for the invitation and warm welcome he received at the White House on Tuesday, alongside Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for the invitation and the warm reception you and the First Lady gave to me and my future wife. Each of us has something meaningful to offer, and I am ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility, and lasting peace,” Ronaldo wrote on social media.

Ronaldo attended a dinner hosted by Trump, coinciding with the U.S. leader’s reception of Mohammed bin Salman, who is also head of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) managing Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s club in Saudi Arabia, coached by Jorge Jesus and featuring João Félix.

The White House shared photos of Ronaldo and Trump touring the presidential portrait gallery and visiting the Oval Office, accompanied by Ronaldo’s partner, Georgina Rodríguez.

The visit came just two days after Portugal secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and featuring 48 teams for the first time.

Ronaldo had previously expressed interest in meeting Trump during a November 6 interview with British journalist Piers Morgan: “He’s one of the people I want to meet. I’d love to have a good conversation with him. I really like him because he’s someone who knows how to make things happen.”

Since joining Saudi Arabia’s league in January 2023, Ronaldo has taken on a role promoting the country. His White House visit coincided with Mohammed bin Salman’s first official trip to Washington in seven years. During the visit, the Crown Prince sought assurances on U.S. military protection and acquisitions, following Trump’s announcement of F-35 fighter jet sales.

Mohammed bin Salman also pledged to increase Saudi investments in the U.S. to nearly $1 trillion, strengthening prior plans of $600 billion in sectors including technology and artificial intelligence.

Ronaldo is the third Portuguese athlete to officially visit the White House, following Olympic marathon gold medalist Carlos Lopes, who was received by Ronald Reagan in 1984, and NBA champion Neemias Queta, who visited in 2024.