Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has broadened his footprint in the sport by purchasing a 25 per cent stake in Spanish Segunda División side UD Almería, marking a significant shift from star player to football investor.
The 41-year-old forward, who currently features for Al-Nassr FC, completed the acquisition through his newly formed company, CR7 Sports Investments. While the financial details of the transaction remain confidential, the move underscores Ronaldo’s growing ambition to shape the game from the executive level.
UD Almería is presently owned by a Saudi-led investment group headed by Mohammed Al-Khereiji, whose SMC Group took control of the Andalusian club last year from Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Ronaldo’s arrival as a minority shareholder is being viewed as a strong vote of confidence in the club’s long-term strategy.
In a statement following the announcement, the Portugal captain described the investment as a deeply personal milestone. He noted that contributing to football off the field has long been one of his ambitions and expressed enthusiasm about working closely with the club’s leadership to support its next stage of development. Ronaldo emphasized that Almería possesses solid foundations, a committed structure, and promising potential for sustainable growth.
Club president Al-Khereiji welcomed Ronaldo’s involvement, describing it as a major boost to the ongoing project at the club. He highlighted Ronaldo’s deep understanding of Spanish football, gained during his highly successful spell at Real Madrid CF, as a valuable asset. According to him, Ronaldo’s experience at the highest level of the game will be instrumental not only for the first team but also for the club’s youth academy and broader sporting vision.
Ronaldo’s connection to Spanish football runs deep. During his nine-year tenure at Real Madrid, he won two La Liga titles and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy four times, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in the league’s history. Although he now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia, where he remains one of the most marketable and highest-paid athletes globally, this investment signals a symbolic return to Spain—this time in a boardroom capacity.
Founded in 1989, UD Almería are currently pushing for promotion back to La Liga. The club sits third in the Segunda División standings, just two points behind leaders Real Racing Club, with 15 matches left to play this season. Ronaldo’s entry into the ownership structure comes at a pivotal moment, as the team aims to secure a top-flight return.
With this move, Ronaldo joins a growing list of elite footballers transitioning into ownership and executive roles, demonstrating that his impact on the sport may continue long after his playing days come to an end.
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