Ronaldo Nazário sports business acquisitions in Brazil

Former football star Ronaldo Nazário has engaged in significant business acquisitions in Brazil involving sports management and football clubs.

In October 2026, Nazário acquired a 51% controlling stake in DLD, the operator of the sports brands Head and Mares in Brazil. Serving as president of Head’s Brazilian operations, he aims to expand distribution networks and strengthen ties with racquet sport practitioners following a 26% revenue increase for the company.

Shortly thereafter, Nazário and former footballer Roberto Carlos signed to acquire an 80% stake in the Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF) of Inter de Limeira. This ownership group, which includes international investors such as Saudi Prince Abdullah bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a Haitian businessman, plans to invest up to R$ 454 million over ten years.

On October 19, 2026, the club officialized the investment agreement to transition into a SAF, with the existing association retaining 20% of the shares. Managed by executive Enrico Ambrogini, the group intends to allocate up to R$ 20 million during the first two years for professional football reorganization, youth categories, and infrastructure improvements, including the training center and the Limeirão stadium. This follows the club’s recent promotion to Série B for the 2027 season, marking its return to the second division after 35 years. The long-term goal remains promoting the club to the first division of the Campeonato Brasileiro within eight seasons.