Ronaldo becomes part-owner of Spanish club ud almeria
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken his first concrete step into club ownership by buying a 25 percent stake in Spanish side UD Almeria through his investment vehicle CR7 Sports Investments. The financial terms of the deal have not been made public, but the transaction is described by those involved as a long-term strategic move that broadens the Portuguese star’s business portfolio as his playing career enters its final stretch. Almeria compete in Spain’s second tier, the Segunda Division, where they currently sit in the promotion race as they push to return to La Liga following their relegation at the end of the 2023–24 season.
Ronaldo, who turned 41 this month and remains under contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr until 2027, has repeatedly spoken of his desire to stay in football once he stops playing, including through club ownership. In a statement announcing the deal, he said it had long been his ambition to contribute to the sport away from the pitch and described UD Almeria as a club with strong foundations and clear room for growth. He added that he intends to work with the existing leadership to support the next phase of the Andalusian team’s development, with particular attention to strengthening its sporting project and youth academy.
The move deepens Ronaldo’s links with Saudi capital, since Almeria has been under Saudi ownership since 2025, when investment consortium SMC Group completed a takeover from former president Turki Al Al-Sheikh. Mohamed Al Khereiji, chairman of SMC Group, became club president as part of that transaction and continues to lead the board under the new ownership structure. The club has presented Ronaldo’s arrival as part of a broader internationalisation strategy that aims to elevate Almeria’s global profile while reinforcing its ambition to establish itself as a stable top-flight team.
Al Khereiji welcomed the Portugal captain as a high-profile partner, highlighting his status as one of the game’s all-time greats and his deep familiarity with Spanish football after nine years at Real Madrid. Club officials believe that Ronaldo’s presence can help attract commercial partners, increase international visibility and offer an additional draw for players and coaches considering a move to Almeria. Local anticipation has already grown around what his involvement might mean in practical terms, although there is no indication at this stage that his role will extend beyond that of strategic investor and ambassador for the project.
Ronaldo’s stake in Almeria adds another layer to an already extensive business empire that ranges from hotels and real estate to fashion and lifestyle brands under the CR7 label. His entry into club ownership is seen by analysts as a natural evolution for a player who has long positioned himself as a global sports and commercial figure, leveraging his profile to secure investments that can outlast his on-field career. For Almeria, the partnership arrives at a critical sporting moment, with promotion to La Liga in the coming seasons a central objective and the backing of both Saudi investors and one of the world’s most famous footballers now underpinning that push.
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