Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos Move Closer to Inter de Limeira Takeover
Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos are set to become major shareholders in Inter de Limeira, following a decisive vote in favour of a new ownership structure for the club. The proposed partnership marks an ambitious new chapter for the modest side, which is preparing to compete in Brazil’s Serie B next season and has set its sights on a longer-term return to the top flight.
At a general assembly held on 31 August, club members approved the deal by 53 votes to one. Under the agreement, a company connected to the former Brazil internationals will acquire an 80% stake in Inter de Limeira’s new Football Joint-Stock Company, known locally as a Sociedade Anônima do Futebol, or SAF. The club will retain the remaining 20%.
The parties signed the agreement on Monday, according to Spanish newspaper AS. The SAF model allows Brazilian clubs to establish a corporate entity to manage their professional football operations, creating a structure that can attract outside investment while separating business responsibilities from the traditional club association.
A high-profile group with big ambitions
Entrepreneur Enrico Ambrogini is leading the project. Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte has reported that the group also includes Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Saudi prince Abdullah bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Roberto Carlos previously revealed that another partner involved in the venture is of African origin, although further details about that investor have not been made public.
The involvement of two World Cup-winning icons gives the project immediate international visibility. Ronaldo, a two-time FIFA World Cup winner, has already been involved in football ownership, while Roberto Carlos is widely remembered for his career with Brazil and Real Madrid. Their reputations may help attract commercial partners and attention, but the central challenge will be translating that profile into stable finances, stronger football operations and results on the pitch.
Ambrogini described the plan as a “huge project” and said it would be unlike other SAF experiences in Brazil. Speaking to Globo Esporte in September, he stressed that the group understands the scale of the task but is enthusiastic about building a well-managed club. He said the investors see the project as a major challenge and are eager to deliver strong management.
Investment plans and financial commitments
The proposed funding figures underline the scale of the ambition, although reports point to more than one investment estimate. Globo Esporte has reported that the commercial group plans to invest as much as €76 million over ten years. That total could change depending on the club’s growth and its progress against agreed targets.
The outlet has also described a business plan involving a minimum investment of €31 million over 15 years. A separate allocation of €3.3 million is earmarked for the 2026–27 period, with the money intended to support restructuring and help clear the club’s debts. These figures reflect different reported parts of the plan and should not necessarily be read as a single, fixed spending commitment.
For Inter de Limeira, tackling debt and establishing a sustainable operating model will be as important as signing players. A successful SAF transition typically requires clear financial oversight, realistic budgets and investment in areas such as recruitment, coaching, facilities and youth development. The precise balance between those priorities will help determine whether the club can grow without taking on unsustainable costs.
Serie B provides the first major test
The immediate sporting focus is preparing for life in Serie B, Brazil’s second division. Promotion to Serie A is the long-term objective, but a strong first season under new ownership would likely depend on building a competitive squad, creating continuity behind the scenes and adapting quickly to the demands of the league.
Inter de Limeira president Danilo Mauf has embraced the possibility of reaching the top tier, asking: “Why not?” The question captures the optimism surrounding the deal, while also pointing to the distance the club must travel. Serie A promotion is difficult and often depends on consistency across a long campaign, not simply on headline investment or famous names among the shareholders.
For supporters, the key indicators will include whether the new leadership strengthens the squad, improves the club’s infrastructure and maintains a clear connection with the local community. The SAF structure can provide access to capital and professional management, but its success will ultimately be judged by how effectively those resources are used.
What to watch in the coming seasons
The takeover also raises broader questions about the changing landscape of Brazilian football. SAF arrangements have attracted investors seeking to modernise club operations, reduce financial pressure and create pathways for growth. Inter de Limeira’s project could stand out if it combines the commercial reach of its backers with a sustainable sporting plan rather than relying on short-term spending.
Any football prediction about the club’s promotion prospects remains uncertain at this stage. Much will depend on the final structure of the investment, the quality of recruitment and how quickly the new management team can establish its approach. The reported funding offers a substantial platform, but money alone cannot guarantee results in a competitive league.
Still, the vote and signed agreement represent a significant step for Inter de Limeira. With Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos among the high-profile figures linked to the ownership group, the club has gained a powerful spotlight and an opportunity to reshape its future. The next test is turning that attention into consistent progress—first in Serie B, and eventually in pursuit of a place back in Brazil’s top division.
