NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Cristiano Ronaldo’s visit to the White House this week has angered a former sports pundit turned political commentator.
Keith Olbermann, who has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and other Republicans, took to X early Wednesday morning to hurl an insult at the football legend.
“Crawl with fascist bastards and you become a fascist bastard,” Olbermann posted, sharing the selfie Ronaldo took with Elon Musk, Gianni Infantino, Georgina Rodriguez and others.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Keith Olbermann called Cristiano Ronaldo a “fascist bastard” after the soccer star’s visit to the White House. (Lloyd Bishop, Jonathan Nackstand/Getty Images)
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, was present at the White House dinner for the Saudi crown prince. It was Ronaldo’s first visit to the United States in almost 10 years. His current two-year contract is reportedly worth around $400 million.
“My son is a huge fan of Ronaldo,” Trump said during a speech to a group that included Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. “And Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little more now that I introduced you to him. Thanks for being here, it’s an honor.”
Ronaldo also shared his thoughts on Trump, who recently said “he’s one of the guys who can help change the world” during an interview with Piers Morgan.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal during his 200th appearance for Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying Round Group J match between Iceland and Portugal at Laugardalsvollur on June 20, 2023 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Will Palmer/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
TRUMP ANNOUNCES “FIFA PASS” VISA SYSTEM FOR MILLIONS OF WORLD CUP FANS COMING TO AMERICA IN 2026
With Portugal qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo is set to take part in his sixth tournament next summer in North America. He and Argentina’s Lionel Messi will make history by taking the field as the only players to appear in six men’s World Cups.
Ronaldo has said it will “definitely” be his last appearance for Portugal on the World Cup stage. There were questions about whether he would play in another tournament after the team’s resounding defeat to Morocco in the previous World Cup.
Trump has also been heavily involved in the sport, with his FIFA task force preparing for next year’s tournament, which will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United arrives at Carrington Training Ground, Manchester, England, Tuesday 26 July 2022. (Peter Powell/PA via AP)
The World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026 and conclude on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
