Body Language Expert Reveals Cristiano Ronaldo's 'True Feelings' at Trump Event

A body language expert has analysed Cristiano Ronaldo's "humble" appearance at the White House for President Trump’s black-tie dinner for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo, who was pictured at the state dinner alongside his long-term partner Georgina Rodríguez, was also joined by a number of high-profile attendees, including tech billionaire Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was also in attendance, but one of the big talking points was the appearance of Ronaldo, who has represented Saudi football since joining Al-Nassr in late 2022.

Saudi Arabia is currently focusing on a government programme called The Vision, which aims to achieve the goal of increased diversification economically and socially, without reliance on oil.

Of course, the ever-growing Saudi Pro League continues to attract big-name players to the country, with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo being the highest-paid on a reported $200 million per year.

After revealing his wish to meet Trump during an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo got to meet the president and his son, Barron, this week.

"This room is loaded up with the biggest leaders in the world - business, sports," Trump said in a speech on Tuesday. "My son is a big fan of Ronaldo. Barron got to meet him and I think he respects his father a little bit more now."

Body language expert analyses Cristiano Ronaldo's appearance at White House

Inbaal Honigman, a body language expert, analysed Ronaldo’s cameo at The White House as a guest of Trump.

“Cristiano Ronaldo looks muted, almost humble,” said Honigman, as per Bettinglounge.

“His head is leaning slightly forwards and his arms are covering his torso in a protective gesture. It would appear that his hands are nestled together, as if he's trying to keep himself to himself, and not take any of the limelight away from the important political processes taking place around him."

Honigman also analysed a selfie that was uploaded to X by South African entrepreneur David Sacks, which was taken by Ronaldo and features some of the biggest names in politics and technology.

Sacks, the investor and Craft Ventures founder thought to be worth anywhere between $200 million and $2 billion, was pictured at the back of the photo.

He is seen standing alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Open AI president Greg Brockman, tech billionaire Elon Musk, United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and his wife Allison, as well as Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodríguez.

“In the selfie picture, Ronaldo's smile appears to be an attempt to show he is much happier than he actually is," said Honigman.

“He exposes his teeth in a presumed attempt to come across as happy and maybe even thankful for being in the position he's in, but most body language cues and facial expressions associated with smiling are absent.

“The corners of his mouth are not turned up in a way that would suggest happiness. His cheeks are not rounded and his eyes are not squeezed shut in a way that would show that he smiles with his full face.

“Compare him in the picture with Elon Musk, who is clearly beside himself with joy. Musk’s cheeks are rounded and raised. His eyes are squeezed shut and his lips are turned upwards. He is elated.

“Ronaldo’s expression, by contrast, is muted. He is being polite but not overjoyed.”