The secret behind Cristiano Ronaldo s avoidance of the United States for ten years

Cristiano Ronaldo's recent trip to the United States is not an ordinary public appearance, but also a symbolic return after more than ten years. The football superstar was invited to attend a White House dinner hosted by Trump for Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman, a well-arranged appearance that instantly ignited global media.

However, for many years, what prevented Ronaldo from setting foot on American soil was not the official ban, but the legal risks that he had to avoid. It all stems from an old case in Las Vegas in 2009: At that time, a woman named Catherine Mayorga accused her of sexual assault. Although Ronaldo always denied the accusation, the uncertainty caused by the case made him worried about going to the United States.

It was revealed that entering the United States while the case is pending may expose him to interrogation or legal disputes. Because of this, the world's most recognizable athlete has been absent from all commercial activities, games and public appearances in the United States for more than a decade - his last time playing in the United States dates back to a friendly match between Real Madrid and Manchester United in 2014.

A turning point came in 2023. With the case officially dismissed, Ronaldo's path to the United States was finally clear. But this blank period has already had its impact: American fans have not been able to see their idol in person, and media speculation about his "self-exile" continues to ferment. Some even call it a "de facto ban," although there has never been such a legal ruling.

This White House dinner marks Ronaldo’s high-profile entry into the United States after more than ten years. He sat with FIFA President Infantino, Musk, Apple CEO Cook and others, becoming the focus of the audience. Trump even personally paid tribute to the star during the banquet, revealing that his youngest son Barron is a fan of Ronaldo.

With the 2026 World Cup coming to North America, Ronaldo's trip is far more than just social activities - it is also about the resonance of personal influence, soft power construction and global football craze. His presence in the same frame as the Saudi Crown Prince also highlights his new role as a global ambassador, especially now that the Saudi league in which he plays is developing rapidly.