Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25 percent stake in Spanish second-division side UD Almeria, marking a significant step in his transition from elite player to football investor.
The announcement was made Thursday through his newly established sports holding firm, CR7 Sports Investments, which described the move as a long-term commitment to professional football ownership.
Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
“It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football,” Ronaldo said in a statement, adding that Almeria possesses “strong foundations and clear potential for growth.”
Almeria’s Promotion Push
Almeria, who were relegated from La Liga in 2024, currently sit third in Spain’s Segunda División, just one point shy of the automatic promotion spots. The club is owned by Saudi group SMC.
Club president Mohamed Al Khereiji indicated that Ronaldo’s involvement could extend beyond financial backing, particularly in strengthening the youth development structure.
“He is considered the best on the pitch,” Al Khereiji said. “He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building.”
Expanding Influence in Saudi Football
Ronaldo has played in the Saudi Pro League for Al Nassr FC since 2023 and also holds a stake in the club. His influence in Saudi football has grown significantly, both on and off the field.
Last October, he became the first footballer included in Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index, underlining the scale of his business portfolio.
He recently returned to Al-Nassr’s first team following tensions over how the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls four league clubs, managed the winter transfer window. On the pitch, Ronaldo has responded strongly, scoring four goals in his last three matches.
Eye on a Sixth World Cup
Ronaldo is also preparing for what could be his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance next summer, though he has hinted that the tournament, at age 41, may be his final outing on football’s biggest stage.
What You Should Know
Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased a 25 percent stake in Spanish club UD Almeria through his company, CR7 Sports Investments, expanding his growing football business interests.
Almeria are currently pushing for promotion back to La Liga, and Ronaldo is expected to play a role in the club’s long-term development, including its youth system.
The move further strengthens his ties to Saudi-backed football projects while he continues his playing career with Al Nassr.
