Cristiano Ronaldo Enters Football Ownership with Almeria Investment
Cristiano Ronaldo has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious football career by acquiring a significant ownership stake in Spanish club Almeria. The 41-year-old forward, currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, announced on Thursday that he has purchased a 25 per cent share in the second division side through his investment vehicle, CR7 Sports Investments.
Manager Extends Immediate Playing Invitation
Following the confirmation of Ronaldo's investment, Almeria manager Rubi wasted no time in appealing to the football legend to consider joining the team as a player. "It would be extraordinary and wonderful if he could play here," Rubi stated. "This is his club and, if he wanted to continue playing, whoever the coach is, he would be received with open arms. I have no doubt about that."
Almeria currently sits third in the Spanish second division, just two points off the top spot and actively challenging for promotion to La Liga. The club's leadership has expressed enthusiasm about Ronaldo's involvement, citing his deep understanding of Spanish football and the potential for growth.
Joining a Growing Trend of Player Ownership
Ronaldo now joins an expanding group of current and former Real Madrid players who have ventured into club ownership. This notable list includes Luka Modric, Vinicius Junior, Thibaut Courtois, and Kylian Mbappe, all of whom have invested in various football enterprises.
In a statement regarding his investment, Ronaldo expressed his long-standing ambition to contribute to football beyond his playing career. "UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth," he wrote. "I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club's next phase of growth."
Current Commitments and Financial Realities
Despite the enticing offer from Almeria, Ronaldo remains under contract with Al-Nassr until June 2027, where he earns approximately £177 million annually. This substantial salary far exceeds what Almeria could realistically offer within their current budget.
Ronaldo recently reaffirmed his commitment to Saudi Arabian football, telling broadcaster Thmanyah: "I'm very happy. As I say so many times, I belong to Saudi Arabia. It's a country that has welcomed me very well, and my family and my friends. I'm happy here, I want to continue here."
The football icon had experienced some turbulence at Al-Nassr earlier this year, briefly going on strike to protest perceived lack of investment during the January transfer window. However, he has since reconciled with the club's ownership, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Club Leadership Welcomes Football Icon
Almeria president Mohammed Al-Khereiji emphasized the value Ronaldo brings to the club beyond financial investment. "[Ronaldo] is regarded as the greatest to ever play the game," Al-Khereiji noted. "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."
Manager Rubi echoed this sentiment, describing Ronaldo's involvement as "excellent news" for the entire club and city. "Someone like him, with his one hundred per cent knowledge of sport and football, can help a club like ours," Rubi added. "It's very exciting for the whole club and for the city."
While Ronaldo's immediate playing future appears to remain in Saudi Arabia, his strategic investment in Almeria represents a significant step toward post-playing career involvement in football. The development adds another fascinating layer to the evolving relationship between elite players and club ownership structures in modern football.
