Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a new chapter at Al Nassr after joining a five-member investment consortium preparing a proposal to acquire a controlling stake in the Riyadh-based club from the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the consortium includes Ronaldo, Gerry Cardinale, CEO of RedBird Capital Partners and owner of AC Milan, as well as three Saudi investors: Ibrahim Al-Muhaidib, Mohammed Al-Khuraiji and Sharaf Al-Hariri.
From Al Nassr star to potential co-owner
The proposed transaction could significantly expand Ronaldo’s role at the club.
Since joining Al Nassr in late 2022, the Portuguese forward has become one of the most recognizable figures associated with the Kingdom’s growing football project. If the proposed acquisition is completed, Ronaldo could move beyond his role as the club’s leading player and become directly involved in its ownership structure.
A potential $500 million investment commitment
According to A Bola, the financial structure of the consortium would require each of its five members to commit approximately $100 million, potentially bringing the group’s combined investment commitment to around $500 million.
However, the reported $500 million figure should not be interpreted as the confirmed purchase price of Al Nassr. The final valuation of the club has not been disclosed, and negotiations with PIF are still ongoing.
Talks with PIF could determine the next step
Representatives of the investment group and RedBird Capital are expected to meet with PIF officials in the coming days to discuss the proposed transaction and the future ownership structure of the club.
PIF currently holds a 75% stake in Al Nassr, meaning that any transaction aimed at transferring control of the club would require an agreement with the sovereign wealth fund.
A deal combining football and investment
The involvement of Gerry Cardinale gives the proposed acquisition an additional strategic dimension. Through RedBird Capital Partners, Cardinale has extensive involvement in the sports investment sector and owns AC Milan.
Ronaldo has also expanded his activities beyond his playing career, with reports indicating that he acquired a stake in Spanish club Almería earlier this year.
For Al Nassr, a potential change in ownership could introduce a new phase in the club’s commercial, sporting and management strategy. However, the structure and terms of any potential transaction remain subject to negotiations and formal approval.
For now, the proposed acquisition remains under discussion and has not been completed. The next round of talks with PIF will be closely watched as the parties consider the future ownership of one of the most prominent clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
