Ronaldo Nazário Buys 51% Stake in HEAD Brazil Business, Target Grew Revenue 26% Over Past 12 Months
According to Exame, former footballer Ronaldo Nazário has expanded his sports investments once again, acquiring 51% of DLD, thereby gaining control of the company's Brazilian operations. DLD is responsible for the operations of the HEAD and MARES brands in Brazil.
The remaining 49% was acquired by a group of investors, including former tennis player Bruno Soares and four entrepreneurs João Rezende, Bruno Mendonça, Gustavo Maia and Rafael Alcici Cardoso—Cardoso is the representative of the investor group.
The transaction amount was not disclosed.
The acquisition comes amid a growth period for HEAD's Brazil business. Over the past 12 months, the business's revenue grew 26%; over the past three years, the company has grown at an average annual rate of about 20%.
With the new investors on board, the strategy is to expand the brand's reach in Brazil, strengthen distribution channels, and improve service for dealers. The company also plans to invest resources in maintaining relationships with clubs, academies and racket sports enthusiasts, while supporting tournaments and programs aimed at athlete development.
Ronaldo said: "I have always believed in the power of sport to change lives. HEAD has a huge history in tennis, and we want to help it grow bigger in Brazil and strengthen the brand's connection with the sports community."
The entry of Ronaldo and the new partners marks a new phase for HEAD's Brazil business. HEAD is an international sports equipment brand with deep roots in tennis and other racket sports. The initial focus is on integrating the company's commercial structure, extending the distribution network to more Brazilian cities, and capitalizing on the growth momentum built up over the past few years.
In addition to HEAD, DLD is also responsible for the Brazilian operations of MARES. MARES is an international water sports equipment manufacturer and will remain part of the company's business plan. The deal puts Ronaldo at the helm of a company that has already achieved double-digit growth, and the next step is to accelerate its expansion in the Brazilian sporting goods market.
He added: "We want to invest in the development of sport, especially the nurturing of new athletes. On and off the court, there is a lot worth building."
Buying HEAD's Brazil business is not Ronaldo's first move in the racket sports market.
According to Exame, in April this year, Ronaldo announced his new controlling project Galácticos Rackets, focused on tennis and padel in Brazil. Ronaldo is the majority shareholder in the project, with operating partner Grupo Calçadão, which started in beach sports. The first phase plans to invest 25 million reais and open 7 venues; at the time of the report, the project was still finalizing fundraising and had not yet opened. The project launched as these two sports were heating up in Brazil, with the goal of increasing the number of courts and facilities available to players.
Ronaldo said at the time: "We are very bullish on these two sports. Brazil has excess demand and insufficient facilities. That's what Galácticos is here to do—take tennis and padel in Brazil to another level."
In addition, in February 2026, Ronaldo announced his participation in the surf pool project Reserva Beach Club, with an expected investment of 1 billion reais. With the entry into HEAD's Brazil business, sports equipment distribution has been added to the former player's business portfolio, further expanding his sports investment footprint.
| Source: Exame
| Image credit: Ronaldo Nazário Instagram