Ronaldo Sells Real Valladolid Amid Fan Outcry
Major Changes at Real Valladolid
In a surprising turn of events, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has officially sold Real Valladolid, a club he struggled to manage. The sale, announced late Friday, involves a North American investment group and is valued at approximately €50 million. The club’s announcement was made through a brief statement on social media, highlighting the transition of control and the expected regulatory approvals necessary for the transfer.
Details of the Sale
According to the club’s statement, “The chairman and majority shareholder of Valladolid, Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima, announces the signing of an agreement to transfer control of the club to an investment group from North America supported by a European fund.” They emphasized that “this deal is subject to the managerial approval of the higher sports council, in accordance with existing regulations.” Additional details regarding the future direction of the club are anticipated to be released in the coming days.
The Context of the Decision
The sale marks the end of a challenging era for Valladolid, which has faced significant struggles under Ronaldo’s leadership, including two relegations to the second division. Following promotion last season, the team faltered during the 2024/25 campaign, accumulating only 16 points while conceding more goals (29) than it lost matches (26). This dismal performance has led to mounting pressure and criticism aimed at Ronaldo, who has frequently been criticized for neglecting his responsibilities to the club.
Fan discontent has been palpable, with many supporters displaying signs reading “Ronaldo, go home” at José Zorrilla Stadium. Public calls for his resignation have also come from prominent figures, including Minister Oscar Puente.
Looking Ahead
Despite the increasing speculation regarding his departure, the announcement of Ronaldo’s sale of Valladolid has come as a surprise to many, potentially serving as a hopeful turning point for supporters of the struggling club. As the chapter with Ronaldo closes, fans are eager to see what the future holds under new ownership