The Phenomenon Ronaldo Salutes Florentino Pérez as Football's Ultimate Club Architect

Ronaldo Nazário Praises Florentino Pérez as a Game-Changing President

Ronaldo Nazário, Brazilian football legend and former president of Real Valladolid, lauded Florentino Pérez during the closing of the first day of the World Sport Summit in Dubai, saying Pérez reshaped modern football with his high-profile signings and distinctive leadership.

Ronaldo recalled his Valladolid experience that began in 2018, noting it marked a turning point in his career off the pitch despite the club's struggles.

He explained he was seeking a club in Europe with several options, but living in Madrid made Valladolid a fitting choice. He submitted the offer during the Russia World Cup, and days after signing, the club rose from the second division. That was his first big break in business.

On the financial challenges facing clubs in La Liga versus the English Premier League, he said the league is well organized, like the Premier League, but in Spain some clubs have budgets three to ten times larger. In England, things are fairer. We were creative, found quality players at low prices, and managed to stay three consecutive seasons in the top flight, a major achievement for Valladolid.

He didn't hesitate to express deep appreciation for Florentino Pérez, calling him the best president he has known in football, adding: he invested in big players... starting with Figo, then Zidane, then me and Beckham. The four of us were dubbed the Galácticos. He changed how people see football and sparked the biggest revolution in the sport.

He concluded: what we see today in football moves this way because of Pérez. He's like a father to me, and our friendship is wonderful.

Punchline 1: If football were a movie, Pérez is the director who turns a dull season into a blockbuster—audiences never leave at halftime.

Punchline 2: And me? I’m just the guy in the popcorn line who still believes legends are paid in glory and the occasional headline.