Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has sold his majority stake in Real Valladolid to a North American investment group, the Spanish club announced on Friday.

The decision comes just weeks after Valladolid’s relegation from La Liga was confirmed in April. The club sits at the bottom of the league table with just 16 points following 29 defeats, and will play Leganés in their final match of the season on Saturday.

This marks the third relegation for Real Valladolid since Ronaldo acquired majority ownership in 2018. The former World Cup winner had previously expressed his long-term vision to develop the club both financially and athletically, but results on the pitch ultimately led to disappointment.

Ronaldo's Second Major Club Sale

The sale also comes a year after Ronaldo sold a majority stake in Cruzeiro, the Brazilian club where he launched his professional career. That move, like Friday’s sale, signals a shift in focus away from club ownership for the 48-year-old former striker.

Real Valladolid has yet to disclose the name of the North American group or the value of the transaction. The new ownership is expected to outline plans for the club’s future in Spain’s Segunda División following the season finale.