Cristiano Ronaldo, Elon Musk, Gianni Infantino spark social media frenzy at Trump dinner

ISLAMABAD: Cristiano Ronaldo, billionaire Elon Musk, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were among the high-profile guests at a lavish White House dinner hosted by the US President Donald Trump for visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday.

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The football superstar, who plays for Saudi club Al Nassr, took his place near the head of Trump’s table, while Musk and Infantino mingled with other prominent figures. The black-tie event reportedly celebrated achievements in sports and culture, and also highlighted Ronaldo’s impending farewell to international football, as he hinted that next year’s World Cup will be his last.

A selfie from the dinner quickly went viral, triggering a social media storm. Users criticized the optics of sports stars, tech tycoons, and political figures dining together, with many calling Ronaldo’s attendance “tone deaf” given the controversial histories of some attendees. Memes and heated discussions spread rapidly online, with public debate focusing on influence, accountability, and the company the guests keep.

NEW: Soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo spotted at the White House for a dinner featuring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. pic.twitter.com/wI3abR5L6f

— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 19, 2025

Trump used the dinner to praise the Saudi crown prince as a “man of leadership” and highlighted his son Barron’s admiration for Ronaldo, while Musk, appearing in a tuxedo, joined other guests at the candlelit gathering, signaling a thaw in his previously tense relationship with the former president.