Portugal and Al-Nassr star, Cristiano Ronaldo has taken his first step into club ownership, acquiring a 25% stake in Spanish Segunda División side UD Almería through his CR7 Sports Investments company.
The 41-year-old, who plays for Al-Nassr FC and captains Portugal, confirmed the move this morning, though the purchase price has not been disclosed.
“It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo said in a statement.
“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.”, Cristiano stated.
Ronaldo’s arrival as co-owner came a year after Almeria was taken over by a Saudi investment group led by Mohamed Al Khereiji, who now serves as club president. The pair are understood to have a close relationship, with Al Khereiji previously linked to facilitating Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2022 following his departure from Manchester United.
Al Khereiji said: “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.”
The deal marks Ronaldo’s return to Spanish football, where he spent nine seasons with Real Madrid CF before leaving in 2018 after breaking and setting numerous records in the La Liga.
UD Almería currently sits third in Spain’s second tier on 48 points from 27 matches, two points off leaders Real Racing.
This move earmarked Cristiano’s position in football ownership as well as preparing for life after retirement as he looked forward to closing the radar in his illustrious football career.
