Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a significant step into football ownership by acquiring a 25 per cent stake in Spanish Segunda División side UD Almería. The purchase was formally confirmed on Thursday through his newly established holding company, CR Seven Sports Investments, signalling Ronaldo’s growing ambition beyond his playing career.
In an official statement, Ronaldo described the move as part of a long-term strategy to contribute to football not only as a player but also as an investor and mentor. “I intend to remain actively involved in football development while continuing my career on the pitch,” he said. The investment demonstrates his commitment to youth development and the nurturing of future talent, emphasising both sporting and managerial influence.
Currently, UD Almería occupy third place in the Segunda División, trailing the automatic promotion spots by just one point. The club last featured in Spain’s top tier during the 2024 season, and promotion to La Liga remains a key objective. Ownership of Almería was previously under the Saudi group SMC. Club president Mohammed Al Khuraiji highlighted Ronaldo’s future role, stating that he would be particularly involved in the youth academy and long-term player development projects.
| 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 |
| Last Top-Flight Appearance | 2024 |
Ronaldo has also been playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League since 2023 and holds a stake in that club as well. His recent form has been impressive: he scored four goals in his last three matches, proving that he continues to perform at an elite level while pursuing business ventures. Notably, in October 2024, Ronaldo became the first footballer to be included in Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, reflecting his remarkable financial growth and influence.
Experts suggest that Ronaldo’s involvement in Almería will not only raise the club’s international profile but also accelerate the development of emerging Spanish talent. His dual role as a player and investor provides a unique model of combining sporting excellence with strategic management.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth FIFA World Cup, which is expected to be his final tournament at the global stage. By blending his playing responsibilities with ownership duties, Ronaldo is poised to leave a lasting impact on both European and Middle Eastern football.
This acquisition reinforces Ronaldo’s position not only as one of the greatest players of his generation but also as a strategic football investor, bridging on-field performance with long-term football entrepreneurship.