Ronaldo’s Valladolid Venture Hits Roadblock as Relegation Looms
The once-promising partnership between Brazilian football legend Ronaldo and Spanish club Real Valladolid appears to be on the brink of collapse. The team’s struggles on the pitch have led to growing discontent among fans, who are now openly calling for Ronaldo’s departure.
According to The Athletic, the annual fans’ day at Valladolid’s home ground, Estadio Jose Zorilla, has turned into a celebration of discontent. Fans gathered outside the stadium, paying €10 for a plate of paella, two drinks, and a wristband that reads ‘united by the badge’. However, the festive atmosphere belied the frustration felt by supporters towards Ronaldo, who purchased the club in 2018.
"He’s one of the best players in football history, nobody doubts that," said Mario Puertas, president of the official federation of supporters’ clubs, the Federacion de Penas del Real Valladolid. "He’s also one of the worst club owners ever. Ask any fan of Valladolid. Before he was seen as a god; now he’s like the devil."
Ronaldo’s popularity with fans has worn away significantly since his initial investment in the club. The team has struggled to achieve success on the pitch, and the Brazilian’s absence from home games has been noticeable. In fact, it has been six months since Ronaldo last attended a Valladolid home game.
The fans’ discontent was palpable during a recent match against Getafe, where the team suffered a 4-0 defeat. Chants of "Ronaldo, go now" echoed around the stadium, and yellow banners calling for his departure were on full display.
As reported by The Athletic, Ronaldo’s tenure as Valladolid’s owner has been marked by both promise and disappointment. When he took over the club in 2018, spending just over €20m of his own money, fans were optimistic about the future. The Brazilian legend brought his name, charisma, and connections to the club, and initial hopes were high.
However, Ronaldo’s personal magnetism did not extend to convincing top players to join him at Valladolid. The team’s struggles on the pitch have continued, and the club’s relegation to the second division in June 2021 was a significant setback.
Ronaldo has invested heavily in the club, spending around €55m on new signings and €20m on improving facilities. However, the team’s failure to achieve success on the pitch has led to growing frustration among fans.
The relationship between Ronaldo and the fans took a turn for the worse when he attempted to modernize the club’s badge in 2022. The move was met with fierce resistance, and 88% of season ticket holders voted to keep the old historic design.
According to The Athletic, Ronaldo’s business activities and investments have raised questions about his long-term commitment to Valladolid. The 48-year-old has branched into various areas, including marketing, finance, media, and property.
As the team’s relegation becomes increasingly likely, fans and staff are left wondering what the future holds for Valladolid. Ronaldo’s ownership has been marked by both investment and disappointment, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to turn the club’s fortunes around.
The club’s corporate director, Jorge Santiago, insists that Ronaldo remains committed to the project, despite the recent struggles. "Our president is a world star, with parts of his life all around the globe," Santiago told The Athletic. "He talks daily to our director general and the sporting director. He has high demands, but he lets you get on with your job."
However, with relegation now confirmed, the future of Valladolid and Ronaldo’s ownership is uncertain. The club’s fans and staff can only hope that things will get better, but it will take a significant turnaround in fortunes to prevent a prolonged stay in the second division.
As reported by The Athletic, potential buyers have shown interest in the club, but Ronaldo has reportedly rejected offers that do not meet his valuation. The club’s value is now estimated to be around half of what it was previously, and it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will be able to secure a sale.
For now, Valladolid’s fans and staff are left to ponder an uncertain future. As Santiago said, "We’re already planning for next season, to build a sporting project to fight for promotion back to Primera. We work 100% for Real Valladolid — Ronaldo is currently our majority shareholder, but the club is above everything."
