Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased a 25% stake in Spanish second division club UD Almería, his sports holding company CR7 Sports Investments announced on Thursday. The deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed, marks Ronaldo's latest move into football ownership.
“This strategic investment in UD Almería reflects Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to professional football ownership,” the statement said. Ronaldo added: “It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of growth.”
Almería, owned by Saudi group SMC, currently sit third in the Segunda División, one point off the automatic promotion places. The club were last in La Liga in 2024. President Mohamed al-Khereiji suggested Ronaldo would be particularly involved in the youth programme, noting: “He is considered the best on the pitch. He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building.”
The acquisition has sparked speculation that the 41-year-old, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, could one day feature for Almería. Ronaldo, who became the first footballer on Bloomberg's “Billionaire Index” last October, recently returned to Al-Nassr's first team after a dispute over the Public Investment Fund's handling of the winter transfer window, scoring four goals in his last three games.
Ronaldo is set to play in his sixth World Cup next summer, though he has suggested it could be his last.
