Cristiano Ronaldo has been labelled a “fascist scumbag” following his visit to the White House this week where he met with Donald Trump.
The Portuguese footballer drew criticism from former American sports pundit-turned-political commentator Keith Olbermann, who took to social media for a scathing rant.
On X, Olbermann wrote: “Crawl with fascist scumbags and you’ve become a fascist scumbag,” sharing a selfie-style photo taken by Ronaldo.
The image showed Ronaldo holding the phone with Elon Musk beside him, as well as Sacks, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Georgina Rodriguez and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been labelled a ‘fascist scumbag’
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The event, hosted by former US president Donald Trump, welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington and brought together an extraordinary collection of high-profile guests.
Ronaldo arrived with his fiancée, Rodriguez, as part of the Saudi delegation.
He has since broken his silence on the event by posting an Instagram photo of him, Rodríguez, and Trump in the Oval Office.
Smiling alongside the President, Ronaldo held a gold-plated key to the White House presented as a symbol of appreciation and a “special token of affection”.
These gifts are not actual keys to enter the building but rather commemorative and ceremonial items, often presented in a wooden box.
Alongside the image, the footballing superstar wrote: “Thank you, Mr. President, for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife, @georginagio.
“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 also shared footage originally released by the White House showing him and Trump walking together, accompanied by Rodriguez.
Cristiano Ronaldo attended a formal White House gathering on Tuesday evening, where he was pictured laughing alongside Donald Trump | XOfficials labelled them “Two GOATS” in their social media post.
The American president and the football icon spent time together before the formal proceedings, strolling through the Presidential Walk of Fame.
During his address to guests during the state visit, Trump acknowledged Ronaldo’s presence and revealed how meeting the footballer had impressed his youngest son.
Trump told the assembled dignitaries: “Barron got to meet him and I think he respects his father a little bit more now – just the fact that I introduced you.”
Cristiano Ronaldo was at the centre of global attention on Tuesday
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XThe Saudi delegation’s visit represented Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s first American trip since US intelligence services linked him to journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s killing at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Trump dismissed questions about the matter during an Oval Office meeting earlier that day, stating the Crown Prince “knew nothing about it”.
Ronaldo’s American appearance carries particular weight with the 2026 World Cup approaching, as most matches will take place in the United States.
Portugal secured their tournament qualification on Sunday and has arranged a March exhibition match against the US team in Atlanta.
