Cristiano Ronaldo’s stellar career has earned him not only legendary status but also a global influence and wealth that few athletes could match. With his career nearing its twilight, speculation about what the Portuguese superstar might pursue after hanging up his boots has become a hot topic. One intriguing possibility involves Ronaldo stepping into club ownership—a move that would echo Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds’ widely publicized involvement in Wrexham AFC.
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As Ronaldo continues to break records at 39, fans and analysts are beginning to contemplate his next steps. Despite being supported to play well into his 40s, the reality is that Ronaldo will eventually need to decide on his post-playing career. With his vast knowledge and wealth, Ronaldo has the potential to transition into various roles within the sport he loves, including coaching, sporting directorship, or ownership.
Among these options, ownership might offer Ronaldo the perfect balance of influence and freedom. In a recent conversation with BoyleSports, former Manchester United teammate Louis Saha shared insights into Ronaldo’s potential future and suggested that he could emulate Ryan Reynolds’ approach to club ownership.
Hollywood Meets Football: Reynolds and McElhenney at Wrexham
The story of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchasing Wrexham AFC is well known. The Hollywood duo acquired the Welsh club in 2020, sparking a renewed interest in Wrexham on an international scale. With Reynolds and McElhenney’s investment and commitment, the club has experienced a resurgence, rising through the ranks of English football and gaining worldwide popularity, bolstered by the hit documentary series Welcome to Wrexham on Disney+. Reynolds’ enthusiastic and engaging ownership style has drawn fans to Wrexham and turned the club into an unlikely global phenomenon.
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For Ronaldo, who already commands one of the largest followings in the world, this path offers the opportunity to continue influencing the sport and engage with fans worldwide without the intense pressures of managing from the sidelines.
Ronaldo’s Influence Beyond the Pitch
Louis Saha, Ronaldo’s former teammate at Manchester United, believes that Ronaldo’s global appeal and social media presence would make him an exceptional club owner. “Cristiano Ronaldo can follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham, and he would be a huge success. There is no better promoter in the world than Cristiano, and that would work wonders at a football club no matter the level,” Saha commented.
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Saha highlighted Ronaldo’s impact at Al-Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club he joined in 2023. Since his arrival, Al-Nassr’s social media following skyrocketed, increasing by 20 million in a year. This boost in online presence reflects Ronaldo’s unparalleled marketing power—a factor that would bring substantial benefits to any club he might invest in. “Social media is a massive machine, and nobody can compete with Cristiano. He is the biggest star in the world, and whatever he does in retirement, people are going to follow,” Saha added.
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The potential for Ronaldo to translate his personal brand into a powerful tool for a football club could set him apart as one of the sport’s most influential owners. Whether he chooses to back a modest non-league club, as Reynolds and McElhenney did, or an ambitious club in a rising league, Ronaldo’s involvement could create a global following.
Comparing to the Beckham Model: Ronaldo’s Path in Ownership
While Wrexham’s success under Reynolds has drawn widespread attention, Ronaldo could also look to the example of David Beckham, another former Manchester United star who has entered football ownership. Beckham, who founded Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, has built a club that boasts some of the sport’s most recognized players, including global icon Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami’s model emphasizes bringing top talent to a growing market, aligning with Beckham’s star power and understanding of football’s global appeal. Beckham’s success with Inter Miami showcases how a former player can utilize his name and connections to build a competitive team in an emerging league. For Ronaldo, Beckham’s success may offer a blueprint, as his presence could similarly transform a lesser-known club into a formidable team.
A Different Role in Football: Ronaldo as a Club Owner Instead of a Coach
Although Ronaldo has the experience and expertise to transition into a coaching role, he may prefer ownership to avoid the daily rigors and pressures of being on the touchline. Ownership offers a unique appeal for athletes like Ronaldo, who possess both the resources and influence to make a significant impact off the field. In a recent interview, Saha revealed his enthusiasm for the idea of Ronaldo becoming a club owner and even expressed an interest in working alongside him as a sporting director.
“Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made a huge impact at Wrexham straight away and were able to spend a lot of money on players, and we’ve seen the success they’ve had since. I’d be very happy to be a sporting director if Cristiano Ronaldo does decide to buy a club!” Saha enthused. This comment highlights the potential for Ronaldo to not only invest in a club but to build a talented team behind the scenes.
Ronaldo’s personal network in the football world is extensive, including relationships with top coaches, players, and executives. This network could prove invaluable if he were to start a new venture or take over a club, especially in securing high-profile talent and establishing a strong sporting structure.
Social Media and Market Reach: Ronaldo’s Unmatched Influence
One factor that makes Ronaldo’s transition into ownership particularly compelling is his social media reach. With millions of followers across platforms, Ronaldo’s influence is unmatched in the world of football. Unlike typical owners who need to build a club’s brand from the ground up, Ronaldo could instantly boost a club’s visibility on a global scale.
Social media’s impact on the sport has never been more significant, with clubs like Wrexham demonstrating how a strong online presence can attract sponsors, increase fan engagement, and even drive television deals. For any club that Ronaldo invests in, his social media presence alone could be a game-changer, bringing in revenue streams that were previously inaccessible.
Ronaldo’s following could also attract the attention of sponsors, eager to associate with his brand. His popularity with younger audiences in particular could lead to innovative partnerships and marketing opportunities, further boosting the club’s financial standing.
The Future of Football Ownership: Ronaldo’s Path to Legacy
The football landscape is shifting, with more high-profile figures entering club ownership and transforming teams into global brands. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s success at Wrexham and Beckham’s achievements with Inter Miami exemplify how celebrity owners can elevate a club. Ronaldo, with his unrivaled appeal, financial resources, and passion for the sport, has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in football ownership.
As Ronaldo approaches retirement, fans worldwide are excited about what comes next. The possibility of him joining the ranks of football’s new breed of owner-promoters, such as Reynolds and Beckham, adds another layer of intrigue to his career. While nothing is confirmed, the notion of Ronaldo as a future club owner opens up a world of possibilities, both for him and for any team fortunate enough to have him at the helm.
Whether Ronaldo chooses to invest in a European club, follow Beckham’s lead in the MLS, or even consider the allure of English non-league football, his potential impact on the sport as an owner is undeniable. For fans and football enthusiasts, the idea of Cristiano Ronaldo following in the footsteps of Reynolds and McElhenney adds excitement to the future of football and continues the story of one of the greatest players the game has ever known.
