When Donald Trump made hilarious 3-word claim after asking Portugal president ‘Will Cristiano Ronaldo ever run for president against you?’
When Portugal president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa visited President Donald Trump at the White House, one of the topics that came up was Cristiano Ronaldo. Back in 2018, while Trump was still in office, both presidents interacted, with the American billionaire asking about the Portuguese footballer.
Trump had asked Rebelo de Sousa (via CristianoXtra on X):
"Will Cristiano Ronaldo ever run for president against you?"
When the Portugal president said that there was "no doubt about it", Donald Trump reacted hilariously, adding:
"You wouldn't win."
If the legendary Portuguese striker were to venture into politics after his playing career, he would certainly have a strong chance, based on his popularity alone. Ronaldo became the first person in the world to cross the 500 million follower mark across Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). According to his profile on Forbes, this number hit 903 million in March 2024.
In his earlier years, Ronaldo won nine trophies with Manchester United, growing into one of the best players in the world and winning the Ballon d'Or. He eventually moved to Real Madrid, where he became a legend of the game, adding another four Ballon d'Or awards to his name. The Portugal legend also cemented his legacy, winning 15 trophies with Los Blancos.
Cristiano Ronaldo struggles to impress with Portugal as age catches up
Cristiano Ronaldo has spent the better part of the last two decades maintaining his form and retaining his position as one of the best players in the world. However, signs of struggle have begun to show for the legendary striker.
It is worth noting that he has since left Europe, taking on the mantle of expanding the emergence of football in Saudi Arabia. His mega-move to Al-Nassr saw a number of European footballers turn to the Middle East to continue their respective careers, and so far, the Portugal forward has succeeded.
He finished last season by breaking the record for the most goals in a Saudi Pro League season, scoring 35. However, when he returned to Europe, partaking with the Portugal squad for the Euros, he failed to meet expectations at the tournament.
Aside from selflessly providing an assist for Bruno Fernandes in their 3-0 win over Turkiye, Cristiano Ronaldo could not do much else. In what was his sixth appearance at the Euros, the forward was unable to score a single goal. He squandered a number of major chances, including a penalty.
It seems unlikely that the 39-year-old can continue much longer at that international level with the Selecao, with whom he notably won Euro 2016.