Home / Sports / Ronaldo's US Soccer Drought Ends Amid Controversy
Ronaldo's US Soccer Drought Ends Amid Controversy
16 Jun
Summary
- Cristiano Ronaldo returns to US play after a decade-long absence.
- Past sexual assault allegations, settled in 2010, resurfaced in 2017.
- He attended a White House event in November with President Trump.
Cristiano Ronaldo will play in the United States on Wednesday afternoon in Houston, Texas, marking his first match on American soil in over a decade, or 4,332 days. This event occurs as Portugal begins their World Cup campaign against DR Congo. Ronaldo's relationship with the U.S. has also been complicated by past allegations of sexual assault from 2009, which he has consistently denied.
Kathryn Mayorga accused Ronaldo of rape in 2009, leading to an out-of-court settlement in 2010. The case was later reopened in 2017, but a U.S. District Court permanently dismissed the civil case in June 2022. Ronaldo previously attended a White House black-tie dinner in November, where he was acknowledged by President Trump.
Ronaldo also recently faced potential suspension from the World Cup after an incident in November 2025. However, FIFA opted to suspend the final two games of his three-match ban under a one-year probation, allowing him to play in the upcoming match. Portugal's group stage fixtures are scheduled for June 17, June 23, and June 27.
