Cristiano Ronaldo’s older sister has come out swinging in defense of the soccer icon, taking aim at those she calls ‘hypocrites’ for condemning his recent visit to the White House.
This week, Ronaldo and his fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Donald Trump. The couple attended an extravagant black-tie dinner, rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most influential leaders.
During their visit, Ronaldo, Rodriguez, and Trump shared light-hearted moments, even enjoying a walk together before the athlete and his fiancée were welcomed into the Oval Office.
As criticism swirled around Ronaldo’s trip, his sister, Katia Aveiro, launched a fiery defense on social media, targeting his detractors.
In an impassioned Instagram video, Aveiro described Ronaldo as a man who has never relied on favors, political affiliations, or rehearsed speeches to succeed.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister has blasted ‘hypocrites’ outraged over his trip to meet Donald Trump
The Portuguese soccer star posed alongside Trump on his visit to the White House this week
“He has only ever needed hard work,” Aveiro emphasized. “Something that many of his critics are only familiar with through hearsay.”
Aveiro then continued: ‘He visits the White House, and suddenly it’s a nuclear emotional explosion! Hypocrites, you’re all hypocrites! Suddenly, such a huge hysteria breaks out, as if Cristiano had just announced the end of the world! A visit to the White House becomes, in some people’s minds, a diplomatic crime.
‘For 20 years, he has carried Portugal on his shoulders, he came from poverty, and he built an empire without any shortcuts. Do you really think he will lose a single neuron worrying because a few outraged people decided to pretend [it is a] scandal?
‘Cristiano Ronaldo has done more for the country than any roundtable discussion. He put Portugal in the conversation with the greatest. And what have you done?
‘Thank you, Cristiano Ronaldo, for everything you’ve done for our country. I am proud of you as big as the world. Thank you!’
After Trump welcomed Ronaldo during his speech at the black-tie event on Tuesday evening, the White House shared video the next morning of the two men walking side by side along with Rodriguez, next to The Presidential Walk of Fame. ‘Two GOATS,’ the footage was captioned, adding: ‘CR7 x 45/47’.
Speaking Tuesday, Trump also thanked Ronaldo for earning him some extra adoration from his soccer-obsessed son, Barron.
According to expert lip-reader NJ Hickling, he confided in the ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar about his 19-year-old’s sporting abilities.
Katia Aveiro, Ronaldo’s older sister, took to Instagram to defend her brother amid the backlash
Trump invited Ronaldo and his fiancee Georgina Rodriguez into the Oval Office in Washington
‘He doesn’t play at all. It’s a shame, really. It’s a great sport,’ Trump appears to say. ‘You know, it takes a great player to play football.’
Ronaldo late thanked Trump for hosting him, writing on Instagram: ‘Thank you Mr. President for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife.
‘Each of us has something meaningful to give, and I stand ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace.’
Trump said at Tuesday’s dinner: ‘This room is loaded up with the biggest leaders in the world – business, sports. 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 – just the fact that I introduced you.’
