Portugal's soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday attended a White House meeting between US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Trump is hosting the Saudi de facto ruler as the latter seeks to rehabilitate his global image after the 2018 killing of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi and deepen ties with Washington.
Ronaldo, who has scored over 950 goals for club and country, is contracted to play for the Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr until 2027, which is majority owned by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund.
Ronaldo was reportedly drawn to the club as his compensation for joining was estimated to exceed $200 million.
Despite the move, Ronaldo said in early November that he will retire "soon," bringing an end to his glittering career.
Elon Musk also joined the dinner, the second joint public appearance since he and Trump had a falling out earlier this year.
Musk and Trump have rarely come together publicly since. Musk was last spotted shaking hands with Trump at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September.
Saudi Arabia invites Western celebrities, entertainment
Ronaldo's move to the Saudi team comes as the Middle Eastern power hub has acquired connections with a number of Western stars, including YouTuber MrBeast, Naomi Campbell, and Sofia Vergara.
Over the past decade, once ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia has rapidly developed entertainment options as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 to diversify the country away from oil and transform society.
Young Saudis grew up with few avenues for fun, with cinemas and concerts effectively banned. Outsiders saw the kingdom as stuck in time. Both perceptions have shifted.
The Saudi capital is now the scene of Riyadh Season, running almost half the year with near-daily events from boxing and slap contests to house music parties and sports competitions.