Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has expanded his business empire by acquiring a significant stake in Spanish second division club UD Almeria. The Portuguese icon, currently playing for Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr, has invested in Union Deportiva Almeria, who currently occupy third position in LaLiga 2.
Strengthening Middle Eastern Connections
This strategic investment further solidifies Ronaldo's connections with Saudi Arabian interests. The majority shareholding in UD Almeria is owned by Mohamed Al Khereiji's Saudi-based SMC Group, who purchased the club from boxing promoter and Riyadh Season architect Turki Alalshikh in 2025. Neither the 2025 sale price nor the specific value of Ronaldo's stake has been publicly disclosed, though industry analysts estimate the club's total valuation at approximately £85 million.
Ronaldo's Vision for Football Contribution
In an official statement, the 41-year-old football legend expressed his long-term ambitions: "It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond 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 club's next phase of growth."
Expanding Investment Portfolio
This move into Spanish football ownership represents another strategic addition to Ronaldo's diverse investment portfolio. Recently, the football star made a $7.5 million investment in Herbalife-linked technology company HBL Pro2col Software LLC, acquiring a 10 percent stake in the enterprise.
Ronaldo's business empire continues to expand across multiple sectors. Beyond football, he maintains investments in artificial intelligence company Perplexity AI, health technology firms Bioniq and Whoop, while his CR7 brand encompasses hotels, fitness centers, and fashion lines. In April 2025, he launched a studio partnership with filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, who himself became a minority investor in Premier League club Brentford in July 2025.
Club Leadership Welcomes Investment
UD Almeria president Mohamed Al Khereiji expressed enthusiasm about Ronaldo's involvement: "We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in. He is regarded as the greatest to ever 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."
Current Football Performance
Despite his expanding business commitments, Ronaldo continues to perform at an elite level on the pitch. During the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season with Al-Nassr, he has scored an impressive 21 goals in just 20 matches. However, the season has not been without controversy, as Ronaldo boycotted two matches earlier in the campaign to protest his club's perceived lack of activity during the transfer window.
This investment marks Ronaldo's first major foray into European football club ownership, positioning him alongside other football legends who have transitioned into club management and ownership roles after their playing careers.
