Ronaldo Nazario agrees to sell majority stake in Real Valladolid after torrid six-year spell | OneFootball

Real Valladolid have confirmed that Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario  is selling his majority stake in the club, after six years that have turned him from something of a hero figure into a city-wide villain. The former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker took over the club in 2019.

This season has broken relations between Ronaldo and the club beyond repair, with O Fenomeno barely attending three Real Valladolid games, and watching Real Madrid more often than his own side. He has been the subject of frequent protests against his ownership, and fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch earlier this season after Ronaldo was seen watching pro-tennis instead of La Pucela

Real Valladolid announce sale of club

On Friday, a day before their final game of the season, Valladolid emitted a statement confirming that Ronaldo had signed an agreement to sell his majority share to a North-American investment group, that as of yet remains unnamed. They do say that this is subject to approval by the Adivsory Board, and that more details will be announced in the coming days.

Photo by Cordon Press

Since the initial announcement of the sale, Marca have claimed that Ronaldo’s shares will be sold for a total of €50m. The new ownership would be under a conglomerate called ‘Ignite’, with around 10 investors from the USA, Mexico and Spain. Most of the control will be taken on by Mexican businessman Gabriel Solares, who was previously president of Mexican club Queretaro.

La Pucela bound for Segunda

When Ronaldo arrived at Valladolid, he declared that in five years La Pucela could be playing Champions League football. However that period passed with Valladolid battling for survival this season, and he will end his six-year spell with two promotions and two relegations on his CV.

This season Valladolid have managed just 16 points, and have had three managers, with interim coach Alvaro Rubio eventually replacing Diego Cocca and his predecessor Paulo Pezzolano on a permanent basis. Ronaldo initially acquired his 51% stake for €30m in 2019, and was believed to be looking for €40m for his shares, but as noted, it is not yet clear what the finances of the deal will be. It is a move that will spark delight in Valladolid, where public officials have been calling for his head as often as the fans.