Cristiano Ronaldo has significantly expanded his football business portfolio by purchasing a 25% stake in Spanish second division club Almería. The Portuguese superstar announced the strategic investment on Thursday through his newly established sports holding company, CR7 Sports Investments.
Strategic Move into Club Ownership
While financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the move represents Ronaldo's deepening commitment to football ownership beyond his playing career. "This strategic investment in UD Almería reflects Ronaldo's long-term commitment to professional football ownership," stated CR7 Sports Investments in their official announcement.
The statement quoted Ronaldo directly, with the football icon expressing: "It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club's next phase of growth."
Almería's Current Position and Ownership
Almería, currently positioned third in Spain's Segunda Division just one point from automatic promotion spots, were last in La Liga during the 2024 season. The club operates under Saudi ownership through the Saudi group SMC, creating a natural connection point for Ronaldo given his current professional commitments in Saudi Arabia.
Mohamed Al Khereiji, Almería's president, highlighted Ronaldo's potential impact on the club's development programs. "He is considered the best on the pitch," Al Khereiji noted. "He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building." The president specifically mentioned Ronaldo's expected involvement in youth development initiatives.
Ronaldo's Expanding Football Portfolio
This investment adds to Ronaldo's growing football business interests. The forward already maintains ownership stakes in Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League club where he has played since 2023. His business acumen received formal recognition last October when he became the first footballer included in Bloomberg's prestigious "Billionaire Index."
Ronaldo recently returned to Al-Nassr's first team following a disagreement over how the Public Investment Fund (PIF) managed the winter transfer window. The PIF, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, controls four clubs within the Saudi Pro League. Since his return, Ronaldo has demonstrated his enduring quality by scoring four goals across his last three appearances.
Looking Ahead: World Cup and Beyond
As Ronaldo prepares for what could be his final World Cup appearance next summer at age 41, his investment in Almería signals a strategic pivot toward long-term football involvement beyond his playing days. The move positions him within the infrastructure of European football while maintaining his strong connections to Saudi football interests.
This dual investment strategy—maintaining playing commitments in Saudi Arabia while acquiring ownership in European football—creates a unique transnational football portfolio that few athletes have achieved. Ronaldo's business moves continue to redefine what's possible for footballers transitioning from on-field excellence to off-field investment success.
