Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased a 25 per cent stake in Spanish Segunda División club UD Almería, marking his first formal investment in European club ownership. The acquisition was officially confirmed on Thursday by Ronaldo’s newly established holding company, CR Seven Sports Investments.
In a statement, the organisation described the move as part of Ronaldo’s long-term plan to expand into football ownership. The forward expressed his desire to contribute to the sport beyond his playing career, stating that he hopes to remain actively involved in developing the game as both a player and an investor.
Currently, UD Almería occupies third place in the Spanish Segunda División, sitting just one point behind the automatic promotion spots. The club last competed in Spain’s top flight in 2024, narrowly avoiding relegation. Ownership of the club previously rested with the Saudi investment group SMC, and the club’s president, Mohammad Al Khreiji, confirmed that Ronaldo will play an active role in initiatives such as the youth academy and future player development programmes.
Ronaldo has been playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League since 2023, where he also holds a stake in the club. In October 2025, he became the first footballer listed on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, highlighting his dual success on and off the pitch. Recently, Ronaldo has scored four goals in his last three matches for Al Nassr, demonstrating he remains at the peak of his playing form.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth FIFA World Cup, which is expected to be his final tournament at the international level, adding further significance to his off-field ventures in football ownership.
UD Almería: Key Club Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| League | Spanish Segunda División |
| Current Position | 3rd |
| Promotion Gap | 1 point behind automatic promotion |
| Last Top Division Season | 2024 |
| New Stakeholder | Cristiano Ronaldo (25% ownership) |
| Current Ownership | Saudi Group SMC |
| Special Focus | Youth academy and future player development |
Experts believe Ronaldo’s move into club ownership could serve as a blueprint for footballers transitioning from playing careers to managerial and business roles, combining on-field expertise with strategic investment. UD Almería’s management has welcomed the high-profile partnership, anticipating that Ronaldo’s involvement will bring both financial investment and international visibility to the club.
With the Segunda División race intensifying, Ronaldo’s investment adds a new dimension to Almería’s ambitions of returning to La Liga, while simultaneously signalling the 38-year-old star’s growing influence in global football management and youth development.