No one can predict Cristiano Ronaldo‘s next major career move. Now 40, the Portuguese forward is still determined to compete at the 2026 World Cup, but some observers believe he’s already preparing for his next chapter. One possibility that keeps coming up is club ownership, with talk of him eyeing a move reminiscent of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s purchase of Wrexham.
Former Premier League midfielder Andy Townsend, speaking to BoyleSports, claimed, “Cristiano Ronaldo could probably buy Wrexham and have Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as his drivers, if he wanted to.” He added, “They’ve given so much hope to people coming into soccer that potentially could buy clubs and could get involved in our game to show you what can happen.” Those remarks sparked fresh speculation over whether Ronaldo might indeed turn his considerable wealth and business instincts toward a Football League club in England.
Some point to Ronaldo’s investment history as a clue. He’s known for hotel ventures and endorsement deals, so a soccer club would be another addition to an already expansive portfolio. “We have seen him invest in hotels and other things, and he has plenty of interest in business,” Townsend said. “I would not be surprised to see Cristiano Ronaldo buy a club when he finishes playing.”
Wrexham, newly propelled by Hollywood star power and a supportive global fan base, has posted strong financial results that would pique anyone’s interest. The club earned around $33 million for the year ending June 2024, with sponsorship revenue rising from about $2.3 million to $16.4 million. Those numbers reflect a surge in attention from the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary and a series of sponsorship deals that gave the club a higher profile. In the eyes of many, adding Ronaldo’s name would only expand Wrexham’s reach.
After Ryan Reynolds, will Ronaldo be Wrexham’s next big investor?
Ronaldo has dropped subtle hints about his post-playing days, revealing his desire to own multiple clubs. He told Portuguese outlet Canal 11, “If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager, sporting director, or CEO?” That vision, combined with his global brand, could transform a smaller side into a commercial juggernaut. Whether that side is Wrexham or another team remains to be seen, but the rumor alone has set off debates in pubs and boardrooms alike.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have welcomed additional investors in the past and appear open to partnerships if it helps the team climb further up the English soccer pyramid. Even so, it’s unclear whether they would sell a stake—or more—to Ronaldo. For now, the world waits to see if the Al Nassr forward will indeed follow through on Townsend’s belief that he could buy Wrexham, or whether he might set his sights elsewhere.
For many fans, the prospect of Ronaldo stepping onto the turf at the Racecourse Ground in a suit rather than a uniform is both exciting and surreal. With each new interview or rumor, the question grows louder: will Ronaldo’s next role see him owning a piece of soccer history, rather than adding to it as a player?
