Donald Trump shares AI-generated football video with Cristiano Ronaldo
Donald Trump has posted an AI-generated video depicting himself and Cristiano Ronaldo kicking a football around the Oval Office, prompting widespread bemusement online, reports BritPanorama.
The clip, shared on Truth Social on Thursday, shows the pair dribbling between sofas and striking shots off the Resolute Desk with impossibly slick technique before celebrating in exaggerated slow motion.
Trump appends a brief message beneath the video: “Ronaldo is a GREAT GUY. Loved meeting him at the White House. Really smart, and cool!!! President DJT.” The video follows Ronaldo’s high-profile appearance at a black-tie White House dinner on Tuesday night, after a diplomatic meeting involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Attending alongside fiancée Georgina Rodríguez, Ronaldo, 40, mingled with business leaders and political figures, including Elon Musk and US Vice President JD Vance, all while wearing a black tuxedo. Later in the evening, he posed for a widely shared selfie with Musk and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Trump publicly acknowledged Ronaldo during his remarks at the dinner, noting that the footballer had earned “extra adoration” from his son Barron. He stated: “This place is filled with the biggest leaders in the world – business, sports… My son is a big fan of Ronaldo. Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now – just the fact that I introduced you. So I just want to thank you both for being here.”
The following morning, the White House released footage of Trump walking with Ronaldo and Rodríguez along the Presidential Walk of Fame, captioned “Two GOATS” with the tag “CR7 x 45/47.” Ronaldo later thanked the president publicly on Instagram: “Thank you Mr. President for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife.” He added, “Each of us has something meaningful to give, and I stand ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace.”
Ronaldo, currently playing in the Saudi Pro League, was initially assumed to be part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s delegation due to their close professional links. The Saudi leader played a significant role in Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr in 2023 after his departure from Manchester United. In a recent interview, Ronaldo described MBS as his “boss” and expressed a desire to meet Trump, referring to him as the “president of peace.”
Although Ronaldo traveled to Washington separately from the Saudi delegation, he is currently back in the Middle East with Al-Nassr set to play against Al-Khaleej on Sunday. The club is top of the Saudi Pro League, having won all eight of their matches so far.
This incident underscores the growing intersection between sports and political figures, highlighting the intriguing partnerships and connections that emerge in the glitzy world of celebrity and diplomacy.
