Ronaldo Reflects on Football Evolution and Pérez's Impact

Ronaldo Nazário, the Brazilian football legend, recently shared his insights on his post-retirement journey and the transformative influence of Florentino Pérez during a talk at the World Sport Summit in Dubai. After hanging up his boots in 2011, Ronaldo has successfully transitioned into football management and investment. He became the owner of Real Valladolid in Spain’s Segunda División in 2018, marking a significant chapter in his career. When asked about the possibility of coaching or sports commentary, he humorously remarked, “Because I’m a bit crazy.”

Ronaldo’s journey began in São Paulo with a representation agency alongside Neymar, but it was short-lived due to low profit margins. By 2016, he found success with a Brazilian agency in the United States, and today, that venture is thriving. His acquisition of Valladolid came as he sought opportunities in Europe while living in Madrid, a dream scenario for the former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker. The club has seen notable success under his ownership, achieving promotion to La Liga three times during his tenure.

Challenges in La Liga

Despite these achievements, Ronaldo expressed the difficulties faced by smaller clubs in Spain compared to their counterparts in England. “La Liga, like the Premier League, is very well organized. But the problem is that in Spain, you have to compete against clubs with budgets three to ten times larger than yours,” he explained. He noted that while creativity allowed Valladolid to secure talented players, the financial disparity remains a significant hurdle. “We were creative; we found good players alongside those who had been promoted. It was a huge accomplishment for Valladolid,” he added.

A Tribute to Football Legends

During his talk, Ronaldo also praised Florentino Pérez for revolutionizing football through strategic moves such as selling Ciudad Deportiva to acquire Valdebebas and signing Galacticos like Luís Figo and Zinedine Zidane. “It changed how people view football. It’s the biggest shift in the industry thanks to Florentino Pérez,” he stated. Describing Pérez as a father figure and a close friend, Ronaldo reflected on their strong bond.

He reminisced about his unforgettable moments at Real Madrid, including scoring a hat-trick at Old Trafford in 2003—a memory he cherishes dearly. “That was the most special moment I ever experienced. All the United fans applauded me; they showed me so much respect,” he recalled fondly.

In closing, Ronaldo spoke about his business acumen and his heartfelt commitment to saving Cruzeiro from bankruptcy. Faced with debt issues, he sold his stake in Cruzeiro without making any profit to ensure the survival of his former club. His dedication exemplifies not just his love for football but also his desire to give back to the sport that shaped him.