A surreal scene in Washington

Before Donald Trump arrived in the East Room of the White House, cameras sweeping the venue caught a glimpse of Elon Musk. Yet within seconds, the lens moved on, distracted by a sight few expected to witness at an American political gala. Wandering confidently between tables, shaking hands and blowing kisses, was Gianni Infantino, the president of football’s global governing body.

Moments later the focus returned to Musk, only to widen again. Gathered beneath the chandeliers were billionaires, tech titans, a Saudi prince and princess, high ranking political figures and, astonishingly, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar found himself seated only a few feet from Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince and head of the sovereign wealth fund that owns Al Nassr, the club that pays Ronaldo’s record breaking salary. It was, as Trump remarked, a room “loaded up with the biggest leaders in the world.”

And the natural question hovering over the entire evening was simple. Why?

What was Ronaldo doing there?

Why had a footballer, famed for his extraordinary scoring feats for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Portugal, crossed the Atlantic for a lavish dinner that had nothing to do with sport? What reason could possibly place him among diplomats, CEOs and heads of state following a bilateral meeting between the United States and Saudi Arabia?

In 2025, the answer is less mysterious than it feels. This is a world where political influence, global business and elite sport are woven tightly together. Power speaks to power, and Ronaldo, willingly or otherwise, is part of that ecosystem.

Was he there to seek favour regarding a potential suspension at the 2026 World Cup after his recent red card? Was the aim to secure influence, protection or political alliance? Or was Trump courting him for support as he attempts to position the tournament within his own political agenda?

In another era these questions might have sounded absurd. Now they feel merely speculative, but not impossible.

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The curious motivations behind Ronaldo’s appearance

Ronaldo had recently spoken about wanting to meet Trump. He said he admired the President’s ability to make things happen, adding “I wish one day to meet him because he is one of the guys who can make things happen. And I like people like that.” Days later, that wish came true. What they discussed, however, remains unknown.

All that emerged publicly was Trump recounting that his son Barron, a self confessed Ronaldo fan, was delighted by the introduction. “I think he respects his father a little bit more now,” Trump joked, prompting scattered laughter across the room.

Nothing else shared indicated world peace had been advanced.

The more probable explanation, according to several experts, is that Ronaldo appeared as part of the Saudi delegation, brought not as a footballer but as a symbol. His immense global reach, bolstered by Saudi investment, has made him an unofficial ambassador for the Kingdom’s expanding influence. His presence alongside Saudi dignitaries served as another demonstration of the nation’s growing acceptance and visibility on the world stage.

Power, image and uncomfortable contexts

Hours before the dinner, Trump and Bin Salman were questioned by journalists about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post columnist killed by Saudi agents in 2018. US intelligence later concluded that the Crown Prince had authorised the operation. Bin Salman has also faced sustained criticism for repression of dissent and human rights violations.

Yet in the candle lit surrounds of the East Room, Trump introduced him warmly as a “great friend and a man of leadership, vision, courage and strength.” The Saudi leader smiled, basking in the approval while Ronaldo sat nearby, sipping what looked like Champagne.

What Ronaldo gained from listening to speeches spanning American manufacturing, military operations and geopolitical alliances is unclear. Whether he was laying foundations for a future role in politics or diplomacy is speculative, but his proximity to such figures suggests he is more than just a sporting celebrity.

Influence and the looming World Cup

More immediate motivations may lurk beneath the surface. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Ronaldo’s disciplinary fate remains undecided following his elbow on an Irish opponent. Seated nearby were Infantino and Trump, two individuals who wield immense sway over the tournament. Elsewhere, a FIFA disciplinary committee member will soon decide whether Ronaldo receives a three match ban.

It is theoretically an independent process. Yet the image of Ronaldo rubbing shoulders with two of the most powerful men in football and politics inevitably raises questions. Can we truly believe such a committee operates entirely without pressure? Might Infantino respond to a request from Trump, a leader he has gone to significant lengths to court?

There is no evidence any interference is taking place. Yet speculating about influence feels less outlandish in a world where critics warn of political intimidation within the US Department of Justice and where loyalty often appears to outweigh expertise.

The global game at the same table as global power

Infantino’s admiration for Trump has produced tangible results. The recently announced “FIFA PASS” system will fast track visa interviews for international ticket holders travelling to the US for the World Cup. A year earlier, many within FIFA considered such a policy impossible. This week, the US government unveiled it.

This is how figures from football, technology, politics and state funded investment projects end up sharing the same room beneath glittering chandeliers. It is why a Portuguese forward, a Saudi prince, cryptocurrency entrepreneurs, media presenters and the Chief Executive of Apple all found themselves dining metres apart.

This is the world in 2025.

And this is the world shaping the 2026 World Cup.