Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to buy Wrexham in shock move after confirming plan to purchase football club

Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to buy a football club when he retires from football - with Wrexham specifically mentioned.

Ronaldo turned 40 years of age in February and is still aiming to play at the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

He was the world's top goalscorer - among selected top leagues - in 2023 for Al Nassr, and continues to play for the Saudi Pro League club.

Ronaldo has kept his cards close to his chest over when exactly he will choose to retire from football, though a final World Cup - by which stage he will be 41 - could be the closing point of his career.

He has previously stated that he does not plan to get into management or coaching.

But he has now been tipped to buy a football club when he does hang up his boots.

Former Premier League midfielder Andy Townsend says Ronaldo could 'probably' buy Wrexham once he retires and work alongside Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

He told BoyleSports: "Cristiano Ronaldo could probably buy Wrexham and have Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as his drivers, if he wanted to.

"But what an incredible story. They've given so much hope to people coming into football that potentially could buy clubs and could get involved in our game to show you what can happen.

"I would not be surprised to see Cristiano Ronaldo buy a club when he finishes playing.

"We have seen him invest in hotels and other things, and he has plenty of interest in business."

Townsend believes Ronaldo would potentially decide to return to English football to run a club after two spells with Manchester United.

"I could see him buying a football club, maybe in the Football League," he continued. "Because he loves the game and I think he'd back himself to run a club. I could really see that."

Ronaldo has previously indicated his desire to buy and run 'several football clubs', telling Portuguese outlet Canal 11 in an interview published February 2025: "If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager, sporting director or CEO?

"That is a dream of mine, and I am sure I'll be a club owner.

"And I'll tell you more: I hope to have not just one club, but several clubs."