Ronaldo's Departure from Real Valladolid Ownership
Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo Nazario has officially sold his majority stake in Real Valladolid, a Spanish La Liga club, as announced by the club on May 23. The decision comes after a tumultuous seven-year tenure as the controlling shareholder, during which Ronaldo held an 82.7% stake through his company Tara Sports 2018 and direct ownership. The buyer is a North American investment company, supported by a European fund, though specific details about the acquiring group or the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
Ronaldo's journey with Valladolid began in 2018 when he acquired a 51% stake, later increasing his ownership with additional investments, including a recent injection of €5.1 million in October 2024, valuing the club at over €100 million. Despite initial optimism, his ownership has been marked by significant challenges, including three relegations and fan protests over his management style and perceived absenteeism as president.
Challenges and Fan Discontent During Ronaldo's Tenure
Under Ronaldo's leadership, Real Valladolid experienced a rollercoaster of promotions and relegations, with the club currently sitting in 18th place in La Liga and facing another potential drop to the Segunda División after 11 consecutive defeats and losing 18 of their 20 matches this year. Fans have voiced their frustration through protests, particularly in the last season, criticizing Ronaldo for what they saw as a lack of engagement and poor strategic decisions that led to the club's dismal performance.
The Brazilian icon, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner and former star for Real Madrid and Barcelona, had once described buying into Valladolid as 'like a gift,' reflecting his passion for the sport beyond his playing days. However, the persistent struggles on the pitch and off-field tensions have soured his venture into club ownership, culminating in this sale to new investors who will now take on the challenge of reviving the club's fortunes.
Future Outlook for Real Valladolid Under New Ownership
With Ronaldo stepping away, attention now turns to the North American investment group tasked with steering Real Valladolid back to stability. While the specifics of their plans or vision for the club have not yet been revealed, there is hope among supporters that fresh leadership will bring renewed focus and resources to address the team's ongoing struggles in La Liga.
The sale marks the end of a high-profile chapter for Valladolid, as Ronaldo's exit closes a period defined by both ambition and disappointment. As the club transitions to new ownership, fans and stakeholders alike await announcements on how the incoming investors intend to tackle the immediate threat of relegation and rebuild trust with a disillusioned fanbase.