Cristiano Ronaldo acquires 25% stake in Spanish Club UD Almería

Cristiano Ronaldo has expanded his footprint in global football ownership after acquiring a 25 per cent stake in Spanish second-division side UD Almería through his CR7 Sports Investments vehicle.

The 41-year-old Portuguese forward, who plays for Al Nassr, completed the investment in a deal involving the Saudi-led ownership group that took over the club in May 2025.

Almería is controlled by a Saudi Arabian investment consortium led by club president Mohammed Al Khereiji.

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While financial details were not disclosed, the transaction is understood to be a long-term strategic investment rather than a short-term commercial play.

Strategic Expansion Beyond the Pitch

Ronaldo confirmed the move aligns with his long-stated ambition to transition into football ownership after retirement.

“I have long had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo said in a statement.

“UD Almería is a Spanish club with a strong foundation and clear growth potential. I look forward to working with the leadership team to support the club in its next phase of growth.”

The investment strengthens Ronaldo’s business portfolio within the sport and positions him within Spain’s football ecosystem, where he previously built his legacy with Real Madrid.

Saudi-Linked Football Synergy

The move also deepens the strategic alignment between Saudi football interests and European assets. Almeria’s current ownership structure reflects growing Saudi investment in global football, while Ronaldo remains one of the flagship figures of the Saudi Pro League project.

Al Khereiji welcomed Ronaldo’s entry into the club’s shareholding structure.

“He is regarded as one of the greatest ever to play the game. He knows Spanish football very well and understands the potential of what we are building here, both in terms of the first team and the youth academy,” he said.

Promotion Prospects Boost Asset Value

Relegated in April 2024, Almeria are currently third in Spain’s second tier after 27 matches, just two points behind leaders Racing Santander. The club is strongly positioned in the promotion race, a factor that could significantly enhance enterprise value if top-flight status is regained.

For Ronaldo, who recently extended his contract at Al Nassr until June 2027 and is expected to lead Portugal at the next FIFA World Cup, the Almeria stake represents a calculated diversification move, blending sporting ambition with long-term capital positioning in European football.