Almería, Spain – February 28, 2026 – Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has taken a significant step beyond the pitch, acquiring a 25 percent stake in UD Almería, a Spanish second-division football club. The investment, finalized on Thursday, marks Ronaldo’s first foray into club ownership and signals a growing trend of high-profile athletes diversifying their portfolios within the sport. This move comes as Ronaldo, 41, continues his playing career with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
The deal was executed through CR7 SA, a subsidiary of Ronaldo’s investment brand, and sees him join an ownership group led by Saudi Media Company, the organization that operates Al Nassr’s Mrsool Park stadium. While the financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, it’s considered a long-term strategic investment for the Portuguese captain. Almería was fully acquired by a Saudi-led consortium in May 2025, setting the stage for Ronaldo’s involvement.
A Long-Held Ambition Realized
“For a long time, my ambition has been to contribute to football beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo stated in a released statement. “UD Almería is a club with a solid foundation and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working with the management team to support the club’s next phase of growth.” This sentiment echoes previous statements from Ronaldo expressing his desire to become involved in the ownership side of the game after his playing days.
The timing of this investment is noteworthy, coming after a reported dispute regarding the management of Al Nassr, which led to Ronaldo missing three recent matches for the Saudi Pro League side. Upon his return to the field, he publicly affirmed his commitment to Saudi Arabia, stating he “belong(s) to Saudi Arabia.” However, this new venture demonstrates a broadening of his football interests beyond his current club commitments.
Almería’s Current Standing and Future Prospects
Currently, UD Almería occupies third place in Spain’s second division, just two points behind the league leaders. The club’s recent takeover by the Saudi-led consortium and now Ronaldo’s investment are expected to provide a significant boost to its ambitions for promotion to La Liga, the top tier of Spanish football. The club is hoping Ronaldo’s global profile and business acumen will facilitate elevate its brand and attract further investment.
Almería coach Juan Francesc Ferrer ‘Rubi’ expressed his enthusiasm for Ronaldo’s involvement, calling it “exciting news for the entire club, the city and the province.” He emphasized Ronaldo’s extensive knowledge of the sport and his potential to contribute to the club’s success. “From our perspective, we’re very happy,” Rubi said. “Of course, we welcome him. I believe it’s great news because someone like him, with his extensive knowledge of sport and football, can really help a club like ours.”
Ronaldo’s Expanding Business Empire
This investment in Almería is just the latest addition to Ronaldo’s burgeoning business empire. He was recently announced as football’s first billionaire in October 2025, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, earning over £175 million ($240m) annually from his Al Nassr contract. His company, CR7, encompasses ventures into various sectors, including water, underwear, footwear, fragrance, and partnerships with 18 brands, notably Nike.
Ronaldo’s move into club ownership mirrors a trend seen with other football icons, such as David Beckham, who successfully built a global brand and ownership stake in Inter Miami CF. Ronaldo has seemingly crossed a similar threshold, evolving from being celebrated solely for his athletic achievements to becoming a globally recognized brand in his own right.
What’s Next for Ronaldo and Almería?
Ronaldo will continue to captain Portugal this summer in what will be a record sixth World Cup appearance. He also remains under contract with Al Nassr through June 2027. His immediate focus will likely be on supporting Almería’s push for promotion, though the extent of his direct involvement in day-to-day operations remains to be seen. The club’s next match is scheduled for March 7th against Real Oviedo, a fixture that will undoubtedly draw increased attention given Ronaldo’s new ownership stake.
The acquisition represents a significant moment for both Ronaldo and UD Almería, signaling a new chapter for the club and a further expansion of Ronaldo’s influence within the world of football. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how this partnership unfolds and what impact it will have on the future of the Spanish second division.
