Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased a 25 per cent stake in Spanish Segunda División club UD Almería, marking a significant expansion of his involvement in football beyond his playing career. The acquisition was formally confirmed on Thursday by Ronaldo’s new holding company, CR Seven Sports Investments.
In an official statement, Ronaldo described the move as part of his long-term strategy to contribute to football off the pitch. “I aim to play an active role in football development while continuing my career as a professional player,” he said. The investment reflects his growing interest in football management and youth development, signalling a dual focus on both commercial and sporting influence.
Currently, UD Almería sit third in the Segunda División, just one point shy of automatic promotion to La Liga. The club last competed in Spain’s top flight during the 2024 season. Ownership of Almería was previously held by Saudi group SMC, with club president Mohammed Al Khuraiji stating that Ronaldo will play a key role in youth academy development and in nurturing future talent.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Club | UD Almería |
| League | Spanish Segunda División |
| Current Position | 3rd |
| Stake Acquired | 25% |
| Acquisition Vehicle | CR Seven Sports Investments |
| Current Club President | Mohammed Al Khuraiji |
| Previous Owner | Saudi Group SMC |
Ronaldo has been playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League since 2023 and holds a stake in the club as well. His on-field form remains exceptional: he scored four goals in his last three matches for Al Nassr, demonstrating that he continues to perform at the highest level while pursuing business ventures in football. In October, Ronaldo made history as the first footballer to be featured on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, highlighting his growing financial influence.
The Almería investment underlines Ronaldo’s ambition to merge his playing career with football entrepreneurship. Experts believe his involvement in youth programmes could inspire a new generation of Spanish talent while also raising the club’s profile internationally.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth FIFA World Cup, which is expected to be his final tournament at the global stage. By combining his role as a player with his new ownership responsibilities, Ronaldo is poised to leave a lasting legacy in both European and Middle Eastern football.
This acquisition positions Ronaldo as not only one of the greatest players in history but also a strategic investor with a clear vision for football development across multiple continents.
