Cristiano Ronaldo Fulfills Ownership Dream with Almeria Stake Purchase
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a significant step toward his post-playing career by acquiring a 25 percent stake in Spanish second-division club UD Almeria. The purchase, made through his CR7 Sports Investments company, fulfills a long-stated ambition for the 41-year-old forward, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to become a club owner as his legendary playing days wind down.
From Pitch to Boardroom: Ronaldo's Strategic Transition
The Portuguese superstar first hinted at his ownership aspirations back in 2023, when he revealed to interviewers that he was considering club ownership as a natural progression after retirement. 'I don't rule out becoming a club owner,' Ronaldo stated at the time. 'It's something I thought about a few years back. I probably would like to own a football club. I'm at the end of my career, two to three years maximum.'
Now, exactly three years later, Ronaldo has made good on that prediction. While the exact purchase figure remains undisclosed, this investment marks his return to Spanish football after nine trophy-filled seasons with Real Madrid, which concluded with his departure to Juventus in 2018.
'It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch,' the Al-Nassr and Portugal captain declared in an official statement. 'UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club's next phase of growth.'
Saudi Connections and Strategic Partnerships
Ronaldo's path to ownership appears to have been facilitated by his existing connections in Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that Saudi businessman Mohamed Al Khereiji, who played a crucial role in orchestrating Ronaldo's lucrative move to Al Nassr in 2022, has maintained a close relationship with the footballer ever since.
Al Khereiji leads the Saudi investment group SMC, which acquired Almeria last year from Turki Al-Sheikh, a Saudi government official now influential in organizing major boxing events. 'We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in,' Al Khereiji commented. 'He is regarded as the greatest to ever play the game, he knows the Spanish leagues very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy.'
Financial Powerhouse: The Economics Behind the Deal
Ronaldo's move into ownership places him among a select group of former players who have transitioned to club proprietorship, following in the footsteps of David Beckham with Inter Miami and paralleling current star Kylian Mbappe's majority stake in SM Caen. What sets Ronaldo apart is his unprecedented financial clout.
According to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index, Ronaldo has become the first footballer to achieve billionaire status, with an estimated net worth of £1.04 billion. This fortune stems from multiple revenue streams:
- His current annual salary of £177 million with Al Nassr
- A lifetime Nike deal reportedly worth £745 million
- Endorsement partnerships with Tag Heuer, Armani, PokerStars, Samsung, Unilever, and Louis Vuitton
- Strategic investments and property developments
Bloomberg analysts note that Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia has 'catapulted him to the top of the rankings for highest-earning sportspeople,' with his wealth now significantly surpassing that of long-time rival Lionel Messi, who opted for a move to Inter Miami in the United States.
Retirement Planning and Manchester United Comments
This ownership move provides the clearest indication yet that Ronaldo's historic playing career is approaching its conclusion. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has already confirmed that the upcoming World Cup will 'definitely' be his last international tournament, while acknowledging he likely has only 'a further year or two left in the legs.'
Ronaldo's interest in club management extends beyond Almeria. Speaking at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in December 2024, he offered pointed criticism of his former club Manchester United's structural issues: 'The problem of Manchester United is the same. The problem is not always the coach. It's much more than that. If I will be the owner of the club, I will make things clear and adjust things that are bad there.'
These comments echoed his earlier 2021 interview with Piers Morgan, where Ronaldo alleged that Manchester United's co-owners Joel and Avram Glazer 'don't care' about the club, describing it as primarily 'a marketing club' that struggles to compete with rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
Lavish Lifestyle and Future Ambitions
Beyond football, Ronaldo continues to build an extraordinary life of luxury. He is currently constructing a £28 million complex in his native Portugal, featuring ambitious designs including a giant glass swimming pool with an underwater walkway and a 1,000-square-foot master bedroom. Though the project is reportedly two years behind schedule, it represents what is believed to be Portugal's most expensive property development.
Ronaldo's personal brand extends to his fashion choices, often seen wearing exclusive jewelry and watches, including a Franck Muller Invisible Baguette Diamonds Imperial Tourbillon valued at £1.13 million.
As Ronaldo transitions from player to owner, his investment in Almeria represents more than just a financial transaction. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of football's most iconic figures, leveraging his unparalleled experience, brand power, and financial resources to shape the future of a club with 'clear potential for growth' in Spain's competitive football landscape.
