Al-Nassr Sale: Ronaldo Could Buy 20% Stake

Al-Nassr Sale: Ronaldo Could Buy 20% Stake in Club

Cristiano Ronaldo could be on the verge of becoming a part-owner of Al-Nassr, with reports claiming the Saudi Arabian club may be sold to a consortium led by RedBird Capital Partners amid efforts to resolve a substantial debt burden.

According to a report by Semafor published on October 19, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is arranging sponsorship agreements and other commercial deals to help address approximately 800 million Saudi riyals in debt. That figure is equivalent to around $213 million, with euro estimates varying by exchange rate.

The financial restructuring is reportedly intended to strengthen Al-Nassr’s balance sheet and make a potential sale more attractive to outside investors.

RedBird Capital interested in Al-Nassr takeover

RedBird Capital Partners, the investment firm led by Gerry Cardinale, is reportedly exploring a deal that could see it and its partners acquire a 70% stake in Al-Nassr.

The group already owns AC Milan and Toulouse FC, giving it experience across European football. Reports indicate that RedBird representatives have held at least two meetings with PIF to discuss the possible acquisition.

The proposed transaction could be worth approximately one billion Saudi riyals, or around $267 million, for the majority stake. However, negotiations are reportedly still at an early stage, and no final agreement has been announced.

Other potential investors could also join the consortium, including Saudi Media Company, a business operating across media, sports and entertainment.

Cristiano Ronaldo could become a shareholder

The biggest talking point is the possibility of Ronaldo acquiring a 20% stake in the club where he currently plays.

According to the reports, the proposed ownership structure could give RedBird and its partners control of the majority shareholding while Ronaldo becomes a significant minority investor. The arrangement would potentially give the Portuguese superstar a role in Al-Nassr beyond his responsibilities on the pitch.

Ronaldo has already expanded into football investment. He holds a reported 25% stake in Spanish club UD Almería, making a potential investment in Al-Nassr another step in his growing business interests.

His involvement could also offer commercial advantages to the proposed ownership group because of his global profile and extensive sponsorship reach.

PIF seeks to clear the club’s debts

PIF, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has been central to the country’s football investment strategy and currently owns Al-Nassr. The reported plan to address the club’s liabilities comes as Saudi football continues exploring greater private investment in its major teams.

Resolving the debt would help improve the club’s financial position before any potential transfer of ownership. Nevertheless, the reported figures, proposed stakes and investment terms remain subject to negotiations.

For now, Al-Nassr remain under their existing ownership structure. Neither a completed sale nor Ronaldo’s acquisition of a 20% stake has been officially confirmed.

If the deal proceeds, it could represent a significant change in the ownership of one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent football clubs, with Ronaldo potentially becoming both its leading star and one of its shareholders.

Sources: Semafor and Arab News, reporting published October 19–20, 2026.