The possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo being received by Donald Trump at the White House has become one of the most talked-about topics in the international media this week. Although there is still no official confirmation of the meeting, the information — reported by international outlets — has already sparked intense debate across political, sporting and cultural spheres.
Interest in the meeting grew back in June, when Ronaldo sent Trump a signed Portugal national team shirt with the message: “Playing for peace.” The gift was delivered by the President of the European Council, António Costa, during the G7 summit in Canada, and quickly went viral on social media and in the press, becoming one of the most discussed moments of the season.
Now, with the possibility of an in-person meeting, reactions have intensified. For some, it represents a symbolic gesture of diplomacy through sport — something global figures often use to promote messages of unity.
For others, the potential meeting raises concerns, especially at a time when political tensions and ideological positions have a direct impact on the public image of high-profile celebrities.
Furthermore, Ronaldo’s recent remarks, in which he stated that Trump is “one of the people who can help change the world”, have fuelled the debate even further. While fans celebrate the closeness, critics see potential risks to the player’s reputation.
The truth is that, for now, there is no consensus. The potential meeting brings into play topics such as influence, global image, cultural diplomacy, and the delicate line between sport and politics.
