Cristiano Ronaldo eyes club ownership
A familiar figure in global football has once again sparked debate about the future of the sport away from the pitch. Speaking at a high-profile awards ceremony, Cristiano Ronaldo offered a glimpse into ambitions that stretch beyond his time as a player.
The remarks quickly circulated online, drawing attention from supporters and media outlets and reopening wider conversations about governance, ownership and leadership at elite clubs.
Ownership ambitions
Ronaldo made the comments during the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on December 27, 2024, according to ESPN and talkSPORT. While reflecting on leadership and responsibility in football, he turned briefly to the idea of owning a club later in life.
“If I become the owner of Manchester United, I will change what is necessary,” Ronaldo said, according to reports by ESPN and talkSPORT. The Portuguese forward previously played for the English club in two separate spells.
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He framed the idea as part of a long-term vision rather than an immediate plan, adding, “I'm still very young but mark my words, I will be the owner of a big club.”
Focus on manchester united
The reference to Manchester United stood out given the club’s continued scrutiny over performances, management structure and ownership direction. According to ESPN, Ronaldo did not expand on what specific changes he believes are needed at the club.
talkSPORT reported that the comments were delivered with confidence, reflecting his view that elite teams require strong decision-making at the top. Ronaldo has previously spoken publicly about standards, accountability and culture within top-level football environments.
The financial reality of ownership
Becoming the majority owner of a club the size of Manchester United would require an extraordinary financial commitment. According to financial analysts cited by international business media, the valuation of the club runs into several billions of dollars, meaning that any controlling stake would demand resources far beyond typical individual investment.
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Even for one of the highest-earning athletes in sports history, such a purchase would likely involve complex financing structures, partnerships or investment groups. The scale of the figures involved underscores how ambitious and challenging any potential move toward ownership would be.
Influence beyond the pitch
There has been no indication of any active move toward ownership, and Ronaldo has not suggested that such plans are imminent. Still, the comments reinforced his intention to remain influential in football long after his playing career ends.
When asked during the same appearance whether he expected that ambition to become reality, Ronaldo replied simply, “For sure.” For now, the idea remains hypothetical, but it highlights how some of the sport’s biggest names are already considering roles of power beyond the pitch.
Sources: ESPN, talkSPORT
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