Cristiano Ronaldo's recent dinner at the White House with US President Donald Trump and FIFA Secretary-General Gianni Infantino was more of a high-profile photo opportunity than a genuine diplomatic gesture. The event was a masterclass in PR spin, where a Saudi-funded spectacle was skillfully masked by the presence of an international football icon like Ronaldo.
While it's hard to choose a single favourite image from this surreal gathering, one photo that stands out is of Trump enthusiastically embracing Ronaldo, like a proud parent showing off their champion athlete. Meanwhile, Infantino looks on with a mix of discomfort and disdain, as if he's been forced into playing the role of straight man in a twisted farce.
The quid pro quo behind this spectacle is clear: Ronaldo's massive popularity among young men on the internet makes him the perfect ambassador for Saudi Arabia's human rights record. Trump's public blessing is all that's needed to legitimize MBS' regime, and Infantino's presence serves only to underscore the hypocrisy of FIFA's leadership.
The scene was set with Trump announcing a $1 trillion investment from Saudi Arabia in the US, while Ronaldo, known for his outspoken views on social media, has recently been accused of sexual assault. Despite these controversies, the trio took to the table like friends, enjoying a lavish meal and discussing "the power of love and peace".
For many, this event represents a nadir in Ronaldo's public image, with his supposed values now being co-opted by those who have repeatedly ignored human rights and democracy. The biggest concern is not just Ronaldo's influence but the broader implications for FIFA and the World Cup.
As Infantino sat through Trump's bizarre remarks about moving World Cup games to cities run by opponents, it was clear that something had gone terribly wrong. While football fans around the world rejoiced in Scotland's qualification, there's a growing sense of outrage fatigue. The question is whether we can still trust FIFA and the World Cup as institutions, or if they've become nothing more than puppets for power-hungry autocrats.
It's time to re-examine our relationship with these global sporting events and demand something better. We shouldn't be forced to choose between our love of football and our values on human rights and democracy. The show must go on, but it's up to us to make sure that the people behind the scenes are held accountable for their actions.
While it's hard to choose a single favourite image from this surreal gathering, one photo that stands out is of Trump enthusiastically embracing Ronaldo, like a proud parent showing off their champion athlete. Meanwhile, Infantino looks on with a mix of discomfort and disdain, as if he's been forced into playing the role of straight man in a twisted farce.
The quid pro quo behind this spectacle is clear: Ronaldo's massive popularity among young men on the internet makes him the perfect ambassador for Saudi Arabia's human rights record. Trump's public blessing is all that's needed to legitimize MBS' regime, and Infantino's presence serves only to underscore the hypocrisy of FIFA's leadership.
The scene was set with Trump announcing a $1 trillion investment from Saudi Arabia in the US, while Ronaldo, known for his outspoken views on social media, has recently been accused of sexual assault. Despite these controversies, the trio took to the table like friends, enjoying a lavish meal and discussing "the power of love and peace".
For many, this event represents a nadir in Ronaldo's public image, with his supposed values now being co-opted by those who have repeatedly ignored human rights and democracy. The biggest concern is not just Ronaldo's influence but the broader implications for FIFA and the World Cup.
As Infantino sat through Trump's bizarre remarks about moving World Cup games to cities run by opponents, it was clear that something had gone terribly wrong. While football fans around the world rejoiced in Scotland's qualification, there's a growing sense of outrage fatigue. The question is whether we can still trust FIFA and the World Cup as institutions, or if they've become nothing more than puppets for power-hungry autocrats.
It's time to re-examine our relationship with these global sporting events and demand something better. We shouldn't be forced to choose between our love of football and our values on human rights and democracy. The show must go on, but it's up to us to make sure that the people behind the scenes are held accountable for their actions.
[Image of Trump giving Ronaldo a thumbs up, with Infantino in the background looking like he's about to throw up] 
[Image of Trump and Ronaldo high-fiving, with a giant dollar sign behind them] 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing... Like, what even is the point of having a dinner with Trump at the White House if all you're gonna do is pretend like everything's cool? 
Ronaldo's supposed "values" are now being used by Saudi Arabia, who are basically human rights violators, and Trump is just going to wave his flag and call it a day? 
It's all so staged and fake, and I'm not buying it for one second. Can't FIFA do better than this? 
. It's a shame because CR7 has been an amazing player for years, but now his values are being co-opted by some sketchy regimes 
. And Trump just swoons over Ronaldo like he's the next big thing 
.
. Can we trust FIFA anymore? 
It's time to question the motives behind these global sporting events and make sure they're serving our values, not just the interests of powerful autocrats. 
i mean come on folks we know who's really behind this spectacle 
. Newsflash: it is a big deal! FIFA and the World Cup need to step up their game and make sure they're not just puppets for whoever's got the most cash 
He's got a massive following and he wants to keep his brand clean. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to be part of a $1 trillion investment deal?