Trending 
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he has purchased a 25 per cent stake in Saudi-owned Spanish second-division club UD Almeria.
The acquisition was disclosed in a statement from his newly established sports investment firm, CR7 Sports Investments, which described the move as part of his broader, long-term involvement in football ownership.Â
“This strategic investment in UD Almeria reflects Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to professional football ownership.”
Financial details of the transaction were not made public.
In the statement, Ronaldo indicated that contributing to the sport beyond his playing career had long been one of his goals. He also expressed confidence in AlmerÃa’s prospects, describing the club as one with solid foundations and significant room for development.
Almeria, owned by Saudi group SMC, were last in Spain’s top flight in 2024 and are currently third in the second division, just one point shy of the automatic promotion spots.
Ronaldo said he looks forward to collaborating with the club’s leadership as it pursues its next stage of growth.
“I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of growth.”Â
Club president Mohamed Al Khereiji suggested that the Portuguese star could play a role in strengthening the team’s youth development structure, noting that his experience in Spanish football and understanding of the league would be valuable.
Ronaldo has been playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al Nassr since 2023 and also holds a stake in that club. In October, he became the first footballer to be listed on Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.
He recently rejoined Al Nassr’s first team following a disagreement over how the Saudi Public Investment Fund handled the winter transfer window.Â
The forward has since scored four goals in his last three appearances.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo is expected to feature in what would be his sixth World Cup next summer, though he has indicated that, at 41, it could mark his final appearance at the tournament.
