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Football Legend Takes Strategic Step into Spanish Football Management
Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and current Al-Nassr forward, has taken a major step toward life beyond the pitch by acquiring a 25% stake in Spanish second-division club UD Almería. The deal, announced on February 26, 2026, was completed through Ronaldo’s investment arm, CR7 Sports Investments, a subsidiary of CR7 SA.
Saudi-Led Ownership Group Welcomes Ronaldo’s Investment
The investment joins the existing ownership consortium led by Saudi businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji and the SMC Group, which assumed full control of the club in May 2025 following a transition from previous owner Turki Al-Sheikh. Financial terms of Ronaldo’s acquisition have not been disclosed, but it is described as a long-term strategic move to support the club’s growth.
Almería’s Strong Position in Segunda División
UD Almería, based in southern Spain and playing at the 17,400-capacity Power Horse Stadium, currently sit third in LaLiga2 (Segunda División). This position positions them strongly for the promotion play-offs to return to La Liga after relegation at the end of the 2023-24 season. The club has a history of top-flight spells since their first promotion in 2007, and under recent Saudi ownership, it has built connections with Saudi Pro League teams, including a pre-season friendly against Al-Nassr in August (which Almería won 3-2, despite two goals from Ronaldo).
Ronaldo’s Deep Connection to Spanish Football
Ronaldo, who turns 41 and spent nine highly successful years at Real Madrid (2009-2018) — where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 450 goals and won four Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles – expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Ronaldo’s Vision for Life After Playing
“It has been a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football beyond just on the pitch,” Ronaldo said in a statement. “UD Almería 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.”
Club President Praises Ronaldo’s Expertise
Club president Mohammed Al-Kher Eiji welcomed the investment, praising Ronaldo’s deep knowledge of Spanish football and his status as one of the game’s greatest players. “We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in,” Al-Khereiji stated. “He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy.”
Ronaldo’s Billion-Dollar Empire Continues to Grow
This move aligns with Ronaldo’s broader business empire, which includes ventures in water, underwear, footwear, fragrances, and partnerships with brands like Nike. Recognized as football’s first billionaire by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index in October 2025, he earns over £175 million ($240 million) annually from Al-Nassr, where he recently extended his contract.
Almería’s Recent Success in Player Trading
Almería has also gained a reputation for profitable player sales in recent years, including Colombian forward Luis Suárez to Sporting CP for €22 million and full-back Marc Pubill to Atlético Madrid for €16 million.
A New Chapter: From Player to Co-Owner
As Ronaldo, who has hinted at retiring in the near future, transitions toward post-playing roles, this stake in Almería marks his first foray into club ownership and signals his intent to remain influential in football’s future.