Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported bid to buy Valencia faces major hurdles, from ownership resistance to relegation fears and regulatory concerns.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become a rare figure in world football — a legendary player stepping into the boardroom as a club owner.
The 40-year-old ambition to buy a major European club has taken center stage since he revealed plans to venture into ownership after retirement.
Daily Mail reports have linked him with a possible purchase of Valencia CF, a club rich in history but currently facing turbulent times.
While the idea of Ronaldo at the helm of a LaLiga giant has sparked excitement, there are several obstacles that could prevent the deal from happening.
Pulse Sports looks at five key reasons — counting down from five to one — why Ronaldo’s bid to buy Valencia might be rejected:
5. Why Cristiano Ronaldo Might Face Fan Backlash at Valencia
Although Ronaldo is a global icon, not all Valencia fans may embrace his potential ownership.
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The wounds left by Peter Lim’s remote management and controversial decisions have made supporters more cautious.
Many want a return to local, emotionally invested ownership. Ronaldo, despite his fame, may be viewed as another foreign investor — and fans might fear his backing from Saudi Arabia could lead to further commercialization and disconnect from the club’s identity.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Valencia Takeover Could Raise FIFA and LaLiga Concerns
Ronaldo is still an active player with Saudi club Al-Nassr and while there are no rules barring him from owning a club in a separate league, the situation isn’t without complications.
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FIFA and LaLiga may look closely at the deal, especially if the Saudi Public Investment Fund is involved.
With the increasing scrutiny around sportswashing and financial influence from the Gulf region, regulatory bodies may hesitate to green-light such a high-profile acquisition without thorough vetting.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo Could Struggle with Valencia’s Internal Instability
Valencia has faced years of instability — both in terms of leadership and performance. Constant managerial changes, player unrest, and inconsistent league form have created an unpredictable atmosphere.
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Ronaldo may be confident in his ability to turn things around, but for a current owner like Peter Lim, these same issues could be reasons to delay or avoid selling. An uncertain environment makes negotiation riskier and less appealing for all parties involved.
2.Cristiano Ronaldo’s Valencia Deal Depends on LaLiga Survival
A major sticking point in the reported deal is that Ronaldo’s bid is conditional on Valencia avoiding relegation.
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The club is dangerously close to the drop zone and they fall into the second division, not only would the brand value suffer, but the revenue streams — broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales — would take a significant hit.
A relegated club becomes a far less attractive investment, and any agreement could be shelved entirely if the team fails to stay up.
1.Peter Lim Might Refuse to Sell Valencia to Cristiano Ronaldo
The most decisive factor might simply be the unwillingness of current owner Peter Lim to sell.
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Despite widespread discontent among supporters and persistent rumors, Lim has never formally expressed a desire to relinquish control.
His business ties and long-standing involvement with the club make any sale unlikely without a substantial offer and specific terms — and even Ronaldo’s star power might not be enough to change that.