Ronaldo Urges Corinthians to Become SAF, Offers to Invest

Ronaldo Nazário believes the only way out of Corinthians’ financial and political crisis is for the club to become a Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF). Speaking on the Denilsonshow podcast, the former striker didn’t mince words: “Unfortunately, I have no hope in the current model. It’s chaos, too much debt. The only solution I see is transforming into a SAF.”

The club is grappling with mounting financial troubles and internal turmoil, including the suspension and indictment of current president Augusto Melo. For Ronaldo, a restructuring through private investment is essential.

The former Brazil star, who previously owned Cruzeiro’s SAF and Spain’s Real Valladolid, even expressed interest in investing in Corinthians if they choose that route: “If Corinthians decides to become a SAF, I’ll find the money and join in. It won’t be a surprise—I believe in the club, its fanbase, its potential. With structure, Corinthians is a powerhouse.”

While many club members and board officials remain skeptical of the SAF model, it has become a growing topic of debate. Ronaldo proposed a hybrid version, suggesting that initial control should lie with investors before gradually shifting to a shared structure, depending on the financial input required to resolve the club’s spiraling debt.