Cristiano Ronaldo acquires 25% stake in Spanish club Almería

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has become a co-owner of Spanish second-division club UD Almería after acquiring a 25 per cent stake through his CR7 Sports Investments company.

The 41-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al-Nassr FC, said the investment reflects his long-standing ambition to contribute to football beyond his playing career.

Almería, currently third in Spain’s Segunda División and just two points behind leaders Real Racing Club de Santander, remains under the ownership of a Saudi Arabian consortium led by Mohammed Al-Khereiji. Ronaldo said he looks forward to working with the club’s leadership to support its next phase of development.

According to Ronaldo, the club possesses strong foundations and significant growth potential, making it an attractive long-term investment.

Al-Khereiji welcomed the Portuguese star’s involvement, noting that Ronaldo’s experience in Spanish football would be valuable to the club’s sporting and developmental ambitions.

The club was acquired last year by Al-Khereiji’s SMC Group from Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.

Ronaldo previously spent nine successful years with Real Madrid CF, where he scored 450 goals in 438 appearances, won two La Liga titles and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy four times before joining Juventus in 2018.

Since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2022, Ronaldo has become one of the highest-paid players in football history, with his investment in Almería marking a major step into football club ownership while he continues his professional career.