- The legendary striker has kept his promotional promise and embarked on the gruelling 500km journey
- Valladolid secured promotion back to LaLiga following a tightly fought campaign in LaLiga 2
- The former striker has forged a hugely successful career away from the pitch with interests in global marketing as well as football
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has embarked on a 500km bike ride across Spain, fulfilling his promise to Valladolid fans following the club’s promotion back to La Liga.
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Valladolid sealed promotion back to the Spanish top flight after finishing second in the La Liga 2 standings behind Almería. The teams were tied on 81 points, with Almería securing top spot through the head-to-head ruling.
The former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker acquired a 51% stake in Real Valladolid back in the 2018, and vowed to undertake the gruelling journey following the club’s relegation from the Spanish top flight last season.
“I promised that if we came back (to LaLiga), I would do the Camino de Santiago “said the 45-year-old Brazilian.”
“I will do it by bike as I can’t run. My wife and I will leave from Valladolid on Sunday and travel to Santiago de Compostela by bicycle. “
The Santiago de Compostela bike route is a gruelling journey through Spain which can take up to 18 days if embarking on the full 800km trip. Ronaldo and his wife have started their journey from Valladolid’s Estadio Jose Zorrilla stadium on Sunday, with their 500km trip set to be completed within approximately 2 weeks. Ronaldo, unfazed by the mammoth journey ahead confirmed his excitement with the task at hand.
“It will be beautiful,” he told Spanish media. ‘I know that I will suffer physically but it will be an unforgettable experience.”
Ronaldo retired from professional football in 2011 and has gone on to further enhance his wealth through his global marketing agency 9ine Sports and Entertainment.
The legendary No.9 has stayed close to football roots though, with the acquisition of Valladolid in 2018, and Brazilian side Cruzeiro in 2021 keeping him firmly involved in the game.
