Khaberni - American press reports revealed details of an unprecedented gift presented by US President Donald Trump to Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo during his last visit to the White House, on the sidelines of the official dinner held in honor of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Photos released by the US presidency showed Ronaldo holding a luxurious wooden box containing a large brass key, which sparked wide controversy and questions about the nature of this rare gift and its symbolic significance.
According to international newspapers, Trump personally requested the design of this key, and it is only given to a very limited number of personalities he hosts in private meetings inside his official residence.
What Ronaldo received is known as the "Key to the Oval Office," a souvenir piece carefully designed inside a wooden box bearing the seal of the US Presidency and an image of the White House, while the key itself carries the official engraving and the phrase "Key to the White House." Presenting this key to a guest is a mark of personal appreciation from the US president and is only given on exceptional occasions.
Ronaldo participated in the official dinner at the White House alongside prominent political, economic, and sports figures before meeting Trump again the following morning inside the Oval Office, where he surprised him with the gift.
Ronaldo later posted a thank-you message on his Instagram account where he said: "Thank you Mr. President for the invitation and the warm reception my fiancée and I received, each of us has something important to offer, and I am ready to play my part as we inspire generations to build a future based on courage, responsibility, and peace."
