Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 4, 2025
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, currently dazzling fans at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has been sensationally linked with a bold move off the pitch: a potential takeover of Spanish La Liga club Valencia. Reports emerging today suggest that the 40-year-old Portuguese superstar could be eyeing ownership of the historic club, with whispers of financial support from the Saudi royal family adding fuel to the speculation. If true, this audacious bid could see Ronaldo transition from player to club owner, rivaling his former team Real Madrid in Spain’s top flight.
The story broke early Friday when Mundo Deportivo journalist Julian Redondo claimed Ronaldo is poised to become Valencia’s next owner, contingent on the club maintaining its La Liga status under manager Carlos Corberan. Valencia, a six-time Spanish champion with a storied past, has struggled in recent years under Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim’s ownership, marked by fan discontent and a lack of investment. Currently, the team sits precariously four points above the relegation zone, but Corberan’s midseason arrival has sparked a turnaround, with five wins in their last ten matches.
Ronaldo, who has long expressed interest in football ownership after retiring, hinted at his ambitions in a 2024 interview with Portugal’s Canal 11, saying, “I’d like to own a club one day—something big, something I can build.” While some speculated he might target a smaller outfit like Wrexham—where Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have made waves—or even his boyhood club Sporting CP, the Valencia link has taken the football world by surprise. Posts on X reflect the buzz, with fans debating whether Saudi backing could make this a reality or if it’s merely a princely pipe dream.
The rumored involvement of the Saudi royal family, possibly Prince Mohammed bin Salman or the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), aligns with Ronaldo’s current ties to the Kingdom. Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023 on a record-breaking €200 million-per-year deal, Ronaldo has become a figurehead for Saudi football’s global ambitions. His on-field exploits—80 goals in 89 matches—have elevated the league’s profile, and a move into ownership could further cement his legacy in the region. Sources suggest the Saudi royals see Valencia as a strategic investment, leveraging Ronaldo’s fame to boost their influence in European football.
Valencia’s potential availability adds plausibility to the tale. Peter Lim, who also sold his stake in Salford City to Gary Neville in 2024, has faced mounting pressure from fans to sell. Though he’s publicly insisted the club isn’t on the market, a lucrative offer backed by Saudi wealth and Ronaldo’s star power might change his stance. The club’s rich history—two La Liga titles in the 2000s and a Champions League final appearance in 2001—makes it an attractive prospect for a high-profile figure like Ronaldo, who spent nine trophy-laden years at Real Madrid.
Reaction has been swift and varied. Former Premier League midfielder Andy Townsend, speaking on talkSPORT, quipped, “Ronaldo buying Valencia? That’s wilder than him joining Wrexham with Reynolds and McElhenney!” Meanwhile, Spanish football analyst Guillem Balague cautioned, “It’s early days—Ronaldo’s focus is still on playing, and Valencia’s survival is no guarantee.” On X, sentiment ranges from excitement (“CR7 owning a club with Saudi cash? Football’s new power move!”) to skepticism (“Sounds like a PR stunt—does he even have the time?”).
For now, Ronaldo remains tight-lipped, focused on Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League campaign. His contract runs until June 2025, and at 41 by the next World Cup, he’s hinted at retiring after the tournament. A takeover bid could be his next play, but questions linger: Can he juggle playing and ownership? Will Valencia stay up? And is the Saudi backing real or just rumor? As the football world watches, one thing is clear—Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations, on and off the pitch.
By Staff Writer, Global Football Digest