Cristiano Ronaldo Acquires Stake in Spanish Club Almeria
Cristiano Ronaldo has made a strategic investment in Spanish football, purchasing a 25 per cent stake in second-division club UD Almeria. The Portuguese superstar, currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, confirmed the move through his consulting firm, Brunswick Group, on Thursday 26 February 2026.
Ronaldo's Long-Term Ambition in Football
Ronaldo expressed that this investment fulfills a personal goal to contribute to the sport off the field. "It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch," he stated. "UD Almería is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth." The acquisition was executed via his subsidiary, CR7 Sports Investments, highlighting his business acumen as he nears the end of his playing career at age 41.
Saudi Ownership and Club Background
Almeria has been under Saudi Arabian control for over six years, with Mohamed Al-Khereiji taking ownership and presidency in summer 2025 after acquiring the club from Turki Al Alsheikh. Al-Khereiji welcomed Ronaldo's involvement, noting, "We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in. 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 details of the deal remain undisclosed.
Almeria's Current Standing and Ronaldo's Form
The club is currently third in Spain's second division, having last competed in the top flight during the 2023-24 season. Meanwhile, Ronaldo continues to perform strongly on the pitch in Saudi Arabia, with 22 goals in 25 appearances this season across all competitions. Despite a recent strike over frustrations with Al-Nassr's January transfer business, he returned to action on 14 February and has scored four goals in three matches since, following his 41st birthday celebration earlier this month.
This investment marks Ronaldo's second foray into club ownership, signaling his intent to shape football's future beyond his legendary playing days.
