Ronaldo Acquires Stake in Spanish Side Almeria
Cristiano Ronaldo has transitioned from the pitch to the boardroom by becoming a co-owner of UD Almeria. The 41-year-old forward purchased a 25% share in the Spanish second-division club through his new firm, CR7 Sports Investments. This move aligns the Al-Nassr captain with a Saudi Arabian investment consortium led by Mohammed Al-Khereiji. While the price remains a private matter, the ambition is public and expansive. Ronaldo intends to help guide the next phase of a club he believes has strong foundations.
The Portuguese international is no stranger to the Spanish footballing system. His nine-year stint at Real Madrid yielded four Champions League titles and two La Liga trophies. This deep familiarity with the local league is a primary reason President Al-Khereiji welcomed the partnership. The Saudi owners acquired Almeria last year from Turki Al-Sheikh, signaling a long-term interest in European football assets. Bringing the most famous name in the sport into the ownership structure is a masterstroke of branding.
Ronaldo has often spoken of his desire to contribute to the game beyond his playing days. Currently, the best-paid player in history, his £177m annual salary provides ample liquidity for such ventures. This investment serves as a clear signal that his retirement plans involve institutional influence. Almeria currently sits third in the Segunda Division, just two points shy of the league leaders. With fifteen games remaining, the “Ronaldo effect” could provide the psychological boost needed for promotion.
The club’s academy is a central focus of the new ownership’s strategy. Al-Khereiji noted that Ronaldo understands the potential of building both a competitive first team and a robust youth system. Integrating the CR7 brand into a Spanish club provides a bridge between the Saudi Pro League and European football. It is a strategic move that benefits both the player’s legacy and the club’s commercial reach. Fans in Almeria are now watching a promotion race with global eyes upon them.
Financial details of the CR7 Sports Investments deal remain shielded from the press. However, the involvement of the SMC Group suggests a well-capitalised project. Almeria was founded in 1989 and has spent much of its history oscillating between the top two tiers. With Ronaldo’s backing, the goal is likely to establish the side as a permanent fixture in La Liga. The transition from legendary goalscorer to astute club owner appears to be in full swing.
Critics might point to the complex web of Saudi sporting investments as a cause for concern. Yet, for Almeria, the arrival of such a high-profile stakeholder is an undeniable win. The club now possesses a level of visibility that most second-tier sides could only dream of. Success on the pitch will determine if this is a vanity project or a genuine business pivot. For now, the Spanish coast has a new, very famous landlord.