When Ronaldo Nazario - a Brazilian football legend - appeared at Jose Zorrilla in 2018 as the new owner of Real Valladolid Club, fans of the ancient Spanish city could not hide their excitement.
A star who won the World Cup, played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan... has now chosen Valladolid as the launching pad for new ambitions. People dream of a transformation: This provincial football team will rise strongly thanks to Ronaldo's prestige, money and global vision.
But after nearly 6 years, the so-called "Ronald's revolution" is fading into disappointment. Valladolid has dropped in the rankings twice in the last 3 seasons. The chaos inside, the stands are full of frustration, the fans' confidence is eroded, and the R Ronaldo, take away poster appears dense every weekend.
This failure story is not simply a field result. It is a valuable lesson in the gap between famousness and practical management ability, an illustration for the mistake of applying the American-style business model to a traditional Spanish football club. And above all, it shows: Not everyone who has been a superstar on the pitch can become a talented leader in the conference room.
The dream of Ronaldo
In September 2018, Ronaldo spent about 30 million Euros to buy 51% of Valladolid shares, becoming the club's president. Although the team was only promoted at that time and not very famous, Ronaldo still declared majestically: "I did not come to do scenes. I came to make Valladolid a model for modern football".
At first, everything went smoothly. Valladolid has stayed in the second division for the past two seasons, even dreaming of participating in the European Cup. Young players are given opportunities, facilities are invested, and this small city of more than 300,000 people suddenly becomes the destination of international journalists. Because simply, Ronaldo is a global star - his image covers promotional and communication campaigns, and helps Valladolid easily raise capital from large corporations.
But behind that initial glory is a truth: Ronaldo's time at Valladolid has been sparse, along with his own view, the management of the team has gradually passed to relatives - mostly old friends or partners from Brazil.
From personnel disorder to strategic collapse
In less than 6 years, Valladolid has changed head coaches 9 times. No long-term strategy is sustainable. Even Sergio Gonzalez was unexpectedly sacked, despite helping the team stay in the league. Newcomers like Paulo Pezzolano were appointed despite not understanding Spanish football. As a result, a Valladolid was unstable, played chaotically, had poor defense and often lost money.
Behind the scenes, the situation did not improve. Character who have been with the team for a long time - from veteran players such as goalkeeper Jordi Masip to youth coaches - have left or been left out. Instead, there are strange faces, mostly from Brazil, with little experience in Europe but trusted by Ronaldo.
A former senior employee told The Athletic: The club is now like Ronaldos own company. He will be eliminated if he does not like anyone. All decisions depend on personal feelings, there are no guarantees or long-term plans.
Since 2021, Ronaldo has started to spend more time at Cruzeiro - his hometown club in Brazil, which he also bought. Valladolid was forgotten. Although he promised to live here for at least half of the year, Ronaldo is now almost exiled. Spanish media once mocked: Our president is on the other side of the Atlantic.
Fans turn their backs
In football, the result is the fairest measure. When Valladolid was relegated in the 2022 - 2023 season, the wave of opposition to Ronaldo began to strengthen. A group of fans launched a campaign "Valladolid is not Ronaldo's", speaking openly on television, sticking banners across the city.
By April 2025, when Valladolid continued to decline and was at risk of being relegated again, the stands of Jose Zorrilla Stadium became a place to show their anger: The audience screamed at the players, cursed the coach, but above all, the sound of shouting "R Ronaldo, vete ya!" - "R Ronaldo, let's go!"
Juan Carlos Puertas - a loyal fan of the team since 1992 - shared: "We used to dream of a stable relegation club. No need for the Champions League. Just stay in La Liga. But Ronaldo has behaved like a bad businessman. He doesn't understand Spanish football, doesn't know how to run a club. Everything is now a disaster".
Un beloved numbers. According to statistics from Marca, the average number of spectators coming to Valladolid Stadium has decreased by more than 35% in the past 3 years. Revenue from tickets, items and sponsorships also decreased significantly. The club's image has become bland in the media, and Ronaldo's influence - instead of a fulcrum - has now become a burden.
Is there any way back?
Despite all objections, Ronaldo has no intention of selling Valladolid. Some sources said that he is planning to rebuild: find a new coach to replace Pezzolano, add a technical director, and reform the management model. However, the lack of determination in the past has made few people believe in this "re-doing".
A former player of the team commented: "The question is not who is the coach, but whether Ronaldo really listens and learns or not. If he still thinks he is right just because he plays good football, then no one can help Valladolid.
On forums, fans have not discussed new tactics or players. They are just waiting for Ronaldo to withdraw.
Football is not just a goal or a brand. That is also identity, stability and respect for tradition. Ronaldo was once an Alien - a super-talented player on the pitch. But in Valladolid, he is just a failed businessman, impatient and lacking understanding of the environment he is running.
If it does not change, the beautiful dream he brought to this city in 2018 will end like an unforgettable blemish in his career - this time as a boss.
