Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon who has dominated the sport for over twenty years, is now setting his sights on a new role beyond the pitch. The 41-year-old superstar, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring, has become a co-owner of UD Almeria, a Spanish second division club, by acquiring a 25 per cent stake.
A New Chapter in Football
This significant investment was announced on Thursday morning and will be managed under CR7 Sports Investments, a newly established subsidiary of Ronaldo's business ventures. While the exact purchase figure remains undisclosed, this move marks Ronaldo's return to Spanish football after nine highly successful seasons with Real Madrid, which concluded in 2018 when he transferred to Juventus.
Ronaldo's Ambitions and Statements
In a statement, Ronaldo expressed his long-held desire to contribute to football in a broader capacity. 'It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch,' said the Al-Nassr and Portugal captain, who now balances his active playing career with ownership responsibilities. '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.'
Strategic Partnerships and Background
Ronaldo's involvement comes just one year after UD Almeria was taken over by a Saudi investment group. It is understood that he shares a close relationship with Mohamed Al Khereiji, the group's leader and current club president. Al Khereiji reportedly played a key role in facilitating Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in 2022, following his contentious departure from Manchester United.
Al Khereiji welcomed Ronaldo's investment, stating: 'We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in. 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.'
Implications for Football and Business
This development highlights Ronaldo's strategic shift towards football ownership, leveraging his extensive experience and connections within the sport. As he continues to perform at a high level on the field, his investment in UD Almeria signals a commitment to nurturing future talent and driving growth in Spanish football. The partnership with the Saudi investment group further underscores the global nature of modern football business, blending sporting excellence with financial acumen.
