Madrid: Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a significant step towards life after retirement by purchasing a 25 per cent stake in Spanish club UD Almeria.
The announcement was made on Thursday (February 26), marking Ronaldo’s entry into football club ownership even as he continues his playing career with Al Nassr FC at the age of 41.
Investment through CR7 Sports Investment
Ronaldo acquired the stake through his newly established venture, CR7 Sports Investment. While the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed, the move signals his intention to remain actively involved in football beyond his playing days.
“It has been a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond just on the pitch. UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the next phase of the club’s growth,” Ronaldo said in a statement.
The club was purchased in May 2025 by the Saudi investment consortium SMC Group, led by Mohammed Al-Khereiji, from Turki Al-Sheikh. Ronaldo’s entry as a minority stakeholder adds global star power to the club’s ownership structure.
Club eyeing La Liga return
Based in the city of Almeria, the team currently competes in the Segunda Division, Spain’s second tier. They are presently placed third in the league standings and are in strong contention for promotion to La Liga for the 2026–27 season.
Club chairman Mohammed Al-Khereiji welcomed Ronaldo’s investment, stating that the Portuguese star’s experience and global stature would significantly benefit both the senior team and the academy.
“We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in. He is regarded as the greatest player ever to play the game. He knows the Spanish leagues very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy,” he said.
Balancing playing career and future plans
Ronaldo remains active on the field and is closing in on the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals. He is also expected to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further extending a glittering international career with Portugal.
A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo has previously hinted that he would like to remain connected to football in a managerial or ownership capacity after retirement. His investment in UD Almeria appears to be the first concrete step in that direction.
Strong Spanish connection
Ronaldo shares a deep association with Spanish football, having played for Real Madrid CF from 2009 to 2018. During his nine-year stint, he became one of the club’s greatest-ever players and cemented his legacy as one of the finest footballers in the history of Spanish football.
His familiarity with Spanish leagues and club structures is expected to play a key role in shaping UD Almeria’s sporting ambitions in the coming years.
A new chapter taking shape
Ronaldo’s move mirrors a growing trend of elite athletes transitioning into ownership roles while still active or shortly after retirement. With global revenues in football continuing to grow, strategic investments in clubs have become increasingly attractive.
For UD Almeria, the partnership offers not only financial backing but also access to Ronaldo’s vast global brand and footballing expertise. For Ronaldo, it signals the beginning of a new chapter — one where his influence on the sport may extend well beyond the pitch.