Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has officially stepped into club ownership after purchasing a 25% stake in Spanish second-division side UD Almeria, marking a significant expansion of his influence in global football.
The Second Division outfit confirmed Ronaldo’s investment, making the Portuguese superstar both an active player and a co-owner while he continues his career at Al-Nassr.
In a statement, Ronaldo emphasized that club ownership has long been part of his vision.
“It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch,” stated Ronaldo.
“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,” he added.
The 41-year-old forward, who also captains the Portugal national football team, is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
With an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, built through record-breaking contracts, endorsements, and his CR7 brand portfolio, Ronaldo has steadily diversified his investments into hospitality, fitness, fashion, and now football ownership.
Saudi Investment Connection
Ronaldo’s involvement in Almeria comes just a year after the club was taken over by a Saudi investment group.
The move is understood to be closely linked to his relationship with Saudi businessman Mohamed Al Khereiji, who reportedly played a key role in facilitating Ronaldo’s blockbuster transfer to Al-Nassr in 2022 following his dramatic departure from Manchester United according tom Daily Mail.
What This Means for UD Almeria
Almeria, a club with ambitions of returning to La Liga, could benefit significantly from Ronaldo’s global brand power.
Beyond financial backing, his involvement brings increased global visibility and commercial appeal, potential sponsorship and partnership growth, attraction of young talent eager to be associated with his project and strategic football expertise from one of the game’s most decorated players
Ronaldo’s move mirrors a growing trend of elite players transitioning into ownership roles while still active, positioning themselves for long-term influence in the sport’s governance and development.
As Ronaldo continues to defy age with prolific performances in Saudi Arabia, his investment in UD Almeria signals preparation for life after retirement.
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