Ronaldo Nazário Exits Real Valladolid: CSD Gives Final Green Light to US Investment Group. Real Valladolid is for sale deal is mostly done
Key players, deal details, and the new roadmap for Valladolid’s rebirth.
Real Valladolid has recently experienced promotion to La Liga and relegation back to Segunda, and the current season sees them close to securing promotion again. Despite this, Ronaldo has faced some fan criticism during his ownership
🏟️ The Deal: Numbers & Stake Breakdown
On May 23, 2025, Real Valladolid confirmed that legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldo Nazário signed an agreement to sell his majority stake (87%) in the club to the Ignite investment group, supported by a European fund.
The deal, estimated between €35–50 million, sees Ronaldo fully recover his initial investment when he acquired 51% in 2018 for roughly €30 million.
Ownership is now split as follows:
Ignite: ~54.36%
Ben Oldman Partners: ~33.26% (part of a swap to settle a debt)
Ágora and other minority shareholders: ~12.38%
✅ CSD Approval: Completed—but Slight Delay
Approval from Spain’s Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) was received in early June, formally clearing the way for the transaction.
A small administrative error led to a short delay in official documentation, pushing the public launch and introduction of the new leaders to mid- or late June .
👥 Meet the New Leaders: Ignite & Gabriel Solares
Ignite is a North American investment group backed by European capital, comprising over 10 investors from Mexico, the US, and Spain.
Gabriel Solares, former president of Mexican clubs Querétaro and Atlante, is expected to lead the club operationally under the new ownership.
Ben Oldman Partners, a Luxembourg-based investment firm, joins the board after securing 33.26%—a transaction aimed at settling Ronaldo’s private debt.
Stabilizing finances and planning for squad rebuilding
Expect updates soon on season ticket promotions, stadium improvements, or revamped youth academy plans.
🔄 End of an Era & Start of a New Chapter
Ronaldo’s seven-year tenure saw two promotions and three relegations, but ended with fan unrest and the worst La Liga campaign in club history (just 16 points, 29 defeats).
With the CSD’s backing now finalized, Ignite and Solares are poised to inject fresh leadership and ambition into the club—aiming squarely at bounce-back and long-term stability.
🔍 Why This Sale Matters
Symbolizes a common trend of North American capital entering European football, often via infrastructure-backed deals.
Represents an opportunity to reset the club’s trajectory: building a unified leadership, developing a competitive strategy, and carefully managing resources for promotion.
With administrative approvals now complete and a clear new leadership team emerging, Real Valladolid is for sale and stands on the cusp of a transformative era. Whether they achieve immediate promotion or focus on sustainable growth, one thing is certain: the Zorrilla fans are ready for a fresh start.
