Gerry Cardinale has confirmed that RedBird Capital Partners is examining a possible purchase of Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo is captain.
Early talks over Al Nassr
- Al Nassr is currently controlled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
- Cardinale said discussions have taken place to evaluate a potential investment in the club, although he stressed that the process remains at an early stage.
- “There have been talks to evaluate the Al Nassr opportunity and I was approached to consider it, but we are still in the preliminary phase,” Cardinale said. “I work extensively in the Middle East.”
Ronaldo’s possible future role
Reports have suggested that Ronaldo, now 41, could be offered a minority ownership role at Al Nassr as part of a RedBird-led takeover proposal. The Portugal forward has represented the Riyadh club since 2023.
Ronaldo’s existing agreement with Al Nassr runs until June 2027, and Cardinale said he wants to understand the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward’s plans beyond his playing career.
“I would like to meet Ronaldo because I am interested in learning what he may want to do after retirement and what his future connection with the Saudi club could look like,” Cardinale said. “I will keep assessing multi-club ownership opportunities, even though I already have Toulouse and AC Milan.”
RedBird’s existing football portfolio
RedBird Capital Partners bought an 85% controlling share in French side Toulouse FC in 2020. Two years later, the American investment firm completed its takeover of Serie A heavyweight AC Milan.
