Ronaldo Nazário, the legendary Brazilian footballer, is set to part ways with Spanish club Real Valladolid. After nearly seven years as the club’s majority owner, he has agreed to sell his stake to a new investor group. While the sale awaits final approval from Spanish authorities, this move signals the end of a rollercoaster era marked by promotions, relegations, and ambitious goals.
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Brazilian Legend Nears Exit from Spanish Football Venture
Ronaldo Nazário, the iconic Brazilian striker who dazzled fans across the globe in the jerseys of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Brazil, is on the verge of closing a significant chapter in his post-playing career.
The 48-year-old has agreed to offload his majority shareholding in Spanish side Real Valladolid, marking the end of a turbulent and ambitious ownership journey. Though the sale has been confirmed by the club, it is still pending formal approval from Spain’s top sports authority, the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD).
New Ownership Led by Solares Awaits Final Green Light
The consortium set to take the reins at Valladolid is Ignite, led by Mexican businessman Gabriel Solares and composed of investors from the United States and Mexico. Solares, previously president of Liga MX club Querétaro, is no stranger to controversy. In 2022, he and several board members received five-year bans from Mexico’s top-flight league following the infamous violence that erupted during a home fixture against Atlas, which left 26 people injured.
Despite this blemish on his record, Solares remains optimistic about Valladolid’s long-term potential. “We see growth opportunities,” he said in an interview with El Norte de Castilla, noting the club’s “resources and characteristics to establish itself as a top division club.” He also emphasized a desire to integrate local voices into the new leadership structure: “We must respect the city and give prominence to people who know the area.”
Financial Players Behind the Deal
Tel Aviv-based investment group Ben Oldman Partners is also involved in the transaction. The fund, which played a key role in financing Ronaldo’s original acquisition in 2018, is expected to recoup a portion of the outstanding balance through this sale. The former World Cup winner currently holds 88 percent of the club’s shares, making this a significant financial shift in the club’s future.
Turbulent Tenure Marked by Highs and Lows
Ronaldo’s stewardship began in September 2018 when he acquired 51 percent of Real Valladolid. His ownership tenure has seen a rollercoaster of emotions for fans, with multiple promotions and demotions defining the club’s erratic journey. Under his guidance, Valladolid endured relegation from La Liga in 2021, 2023, and most recently in 2025. These setbacks were temporarily offset by promotions in 2022 and 2024, but the club could not maintain consistency in Spain’s fiercely competitive top tier.
The 2024–25 campaign has been especially dismal. With only 16 points collected from 37 fixtures, Valladolid languished at the bottom of the table. They finished 16 points behind the second-worst team, Las Palmas, and ended the season with a goal difference of -64 — a grim reflection of the squad’s struggles.
Ronaldo’s Broader Sporting Interests Wind Down
This sale follows Ronaldo’s earlier divestment from Brazilian club Cruzeiro in April 2024. The former striker had acquired a controlling 90 percent share in the club — where his professional journey began — for $70 million in 2021. Under his stewardship, Cruzeiro earned promotion back to Brazil’s top flight, Serie A. However, he later sold his stake to BPW Sports, led by Pedro Lourenço, owner of Supermercados BH.
These back-to-back exits from football ownership suggest a possible shift in Ronaldo’s post-retirement trajectory. Yet, the reasons behind his decisions remain unclear, as he has not publicly addressed the Valladolid sale. His team has declined requests for comment, maintaining a notable silence on the matter.
Club Seeks Calm Amid Uncertainty
Real Valladolid issued a public letter on Tuesday, urging fans to remain composed during this transition. “Patience” and “understanding” were the key messages delivered by club director general Luis García. Though fans may be disappointed with the recent string of failures, the incoming leadership’s promise to embed local expertise and commit to sustainable growth offers a glimpse of hope.
With a new ownership group stepping in and a historic icon stepping away, Real Valladolid enters yet another era — this time, under different stewardship and fresh ambition. Whether Ignite’s vision will translate into long-term success remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes are on the Spanish government’s decision to seal the deal.
Read More: Raúl González Bids Farewell to Real Madrid Castilla, Alvaro Arbeloa Steps Up as B-Team Coach
FAQs
Who is buying Ronaldo’s stake in Real Valladolid?
A consortium named Ignite, led by Mexican businessman Gabriel Solares and backed by U.S. and Mexican investors, is purchasing Ronaldo’s majority stake.
Why is Ronaldo selling Real Valladolid?
Ronaldo is stepping away after a turbulent tenure marked by multiple relegations and financial restructuring, though he hasn’t publicly shared his reasons.
Has the sale of Real Valladolid been finalized?
No, the deal awaits approval from Spain’s CSD (Consejo Superior de Deportes) before becoming official.
What role does Ben Oldman Partners play in the Valladolid deal?
Ben Oldman Partners, which financed Ronaldo’s original purchase, will receive a portion of the stake as repayment in the new deal.
How did Real Valladolid perform under Ronaldo’s ownership?
Valladolid experienced three relegations and two promotions under Ronaldo, struggling to maintain consistency in La Liga.
