Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has sparked widespread reactions after sharing a video message praising Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest footballer of all time and urging him to come to America.

The video surfaced months after Ronaldo’s visit to the Oval Office in November, where the Al-Nassr forward attended as part of a Saudi Arabian delegation. In the TikTok clip, Trump described the Portuguese superstar as “the best ever” and encouraged him to relocate to the United States as soon as possible.

“Cristiano Ronaldo, you’re the best ever, we need you to come to America,” Trump said. “Start moving right away, we need you quickly.”

Shortly after the message circulated online, an AI-generated video showing Trump and Ronaldo casually playing football inside the presidential office also went viral, further fueling conversations across social media.

Trump’s growing visibility in football circles has been notable in recent months. He attended the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, where Chelsea faced Paris Saint-Germain, and received the first FIFA Peace Prize from Gianni Infantino ahead of the World Cup draw last year.

Speculation has emerged that Trump’s comments could be linked to ongoing discussions about Ronaldo potentially joining Major League Soccer, where he could reignite his famous rivalry with Lionel Messi. The rumors gained momentum after reports suggested Ronaldo had expressed frustration with the management structure surrounding his current club.

Ronaldo’s November trip also marked his first appearance in the United States since 2014, when he played for Real Madrid in front of more than 100,000 fans against Manchester United during a preseason match.

Opinion: More Than Praise — A Reflection of Football’s Global Power

Trump’s public admiration for Ronaldo goes beyond personal praise; it highlights football’s unmatched global influence. Few athletes command the kind of cross-cultural recognition Ronaldo enjoys, where even political leaders openly campaign for his presence in their domestic leagues.

The idea of Ronaldo moving to MLS at this stage of his career is intriguing. From a commercial perspective, it would be monumental — especially if it reignites the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry on American soil. Yet, from a sporting standpoint, the decision would depend heavily on Ronaldo’s competitive ambitions and long-term legacy considerations.

Ultimately, moments like this demonstrate how football has evolved into more than just sport — it is diplomacy, entertainment, business, and global culture combined. Whether Ronaldo ever makes the move to the United States or not, the conversation alone proves his enduring star power.