The business venture led by Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos in Brazil is finally taking shape. On Monday, Inter de Limeira — a modest club in Brazil’s third division — approved, by a vote of 53–1, the sale of 80% of its new SAF (Sociedade Anônima de Futebol) to a corporate group that includes the two legendary former players. The remaining 20% will stay under club control. The next step is signing the contract and completing all formal procedures to convert Inter into a fully structured SAF.
A massive long‑term investment
Entrepreneur Enrico Ambrogini, who heads the project, told Globo Esporte that this is “a gigantic project”, unlike anything previously attempted in Brazil’s SAF model. According to the outlet, the ownership group plans to invest up to €76 million (about $82 million USD) over ten years, though the final amount may vary depending on the club’s growth and performance targets.
The business plan guarantees a minimum investment of €31 million ($33 million USD) over 15 years. Between 2026 and 2027, the group will inject €3.3 million ($3.6 million USD) to restructure the club and pay off existing debt.
Alongside Ambrogini, Ronaldo, and Roberto Carlos, the project also includes Saudi prince Abdullah bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Roberto Carlos previously revealed that another partner is of African origin.
It is a project very different from anything that has been done in Brazil regarding SAF
Enrico Ambrogini
Ambrogini emphasized the excitement within the group: “Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and everyone involved are very enthusiastic. They see this as a major challenge and are eager to deliver strong management.”
He added that this is not a simple cash‑injection operation: “This is a very different SAF project. My roots are here, and Inter is in good health. We’ll build gradually and accelerate later. It’s a gigantic project for the fans and for the city of Limeira.”
Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos during their time at Real Madrid.FELIPE SEVILLANOA carefully planned transition
Ambrogini noted that the club’s leadership deserves credit for navigating the SAF transition responsibly: “Many clubs hand over control because they’re financially desperate. Inter did this in an organized, cautious way, and investors appreciated that.”
The dream: reaching Brazil’s Serie A
Inter de Limeira president Danilo Maluf said the club’s ambition is clear — reaching Serie A. “This is a milestone because it’s a new management model. We want to professionalize the entire football department and present a new Inter de Limeira. Our dream is to work hard and return to Serie A. Why not?”
Maluf sees the investment group as essential for the club’s future: “Our current revenue doesn’t cover Serie C costs, let alone Serie B. We’re still underdogs, but financial investment increases our chances of promotion. With declining revenue and current broadcast values, I didn’t see a promising future. The SAF arrived at the right moment.”
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