Cristiano Ronaldo to rival Real Madrid? Shock takeover talk surfaces that could see CR7 join forces with Saudi royal family & buy La Liga club

CR7 spent nine memorable years at Santiago Bernabeu between 2009 and 2018. In that time he won two La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns and took his haul of Ballon d’Or triumphs to five. He also became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Ronaldo is still going strong at the age of 40 with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, but is starting to put plans in place for when the day comes to hang up record-shattering boots. A move into coaching has been mooted, alongside potential investment in a professional team.

There has been talk of the ex-Manchester United superstar being lured back to the UK and linking up with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham. Reports in Spain are, however, speculating on a different path being taken.

Mundo Deportivo report that Ronaldo may be tempted to launch a bid for Valencia - despite current owner Peter Lim stating that the club is not for sale. It is claimed that CR7 could join forces with the Saudi royal family, specifically Prince Mohamed bin Salman, or the Saudi investment fund.

Ronaldo is said to have made it clear that he would only be interested in that project if Valencia retain their top-fight status in Spain - as they currently sit four points clear of the relegation zone. Mounting debts and a dilapidated stadium are considered to be major stumbling blocks, but Mundo Deportivo claim the story is now "news rather than rumour".