Cristiano Ronaldo Ventures into Club Ownership with Spanish Second Division Stake
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially entered the realm of club ownership, securing a 25% stake in UD Almeria, a team currently competing in Spain's second division. This strategic move represents a significant milestone in the 41-year-old Portuguese star's post-playing career, as he expands his influence in football beyond the pitch.
Strategic Investment Through CR7 Sports Investments
The acquisition was announced via Ronaldo's CR7 Sports Investments, a subsidiary of his company CR7 SA. According to reports from MARCA, the deal underscores Ronaldo's commitment to contributing to football's structural development. While financial specifics remain undisclosed, both parties have characterized the investment as a long-term growth strategy aimed at enhancing the club's operations, branding, and global recognition.
Ronaldo expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "For some time now I have had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the field. UD Almeria is a Spanish club with a strong foundation and clear growth potential. I look forward to working with the team that leads it to support the club in its new phase of growth."
Return to Spanish Football in a New Role
This investment marks Ronaldo's return to Spanish football, albeit in an off-pitch capacity. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who previously starred for Real Madrid, now aims to leverage his extensive experience from top-tier European football to influence Almeria's club operations and development. The Andalusian club, currently positioned third in the second division table and just two points off the top with 15 rounds remaining, stands to benefit significantly from Ronaldo's high-profile involvement.
Almeria's president, Mohamed Al Khereiji, who leads the Saudi investment group that recently took over the club, welcomed Ronaldo's entry into the shareholding. The two share a long-standing professional relationship, which was instrumental in Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr after his departure from Manchester United. This partnership is expected to propel Almeria into a new era of growth, both on and off the field.
Broader Business Vision and Football Impact
Ronaldo's investment aligns with his broader business vision, which includes addressing structural issues in European football. At the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in December 2024, he indicated a desire to focus on improving internal club structures if given ownership opportunities. With this stake in Almeria, that mission is now underway, allowing Ronaldo to shape the club's direction, youth development policies, and long-term competitiveness.
For UD Almeria, Ronaldo's presence is anticipated to enhance visibility across Europe and globally, attracting sponsorships and drawing attention to the club's sporting achievements and commercial prospects. This move also places Ronaldo among a growing trend of active footballers, such as Kylian Mbappe, who have recently purchased clubs, signaling a shift in how players engage with the sport beyond their playing careers.
Related Developments in Football Ownership
In a related development, French superstar Kylian Mbappe has set a record by becoming the majority owner of a professional football club at just 25 years old. He acquired a controlling stake in SM Caen, investing nearly €20 million to secure the majority of shares, with Pierre-Antoine Capton holding the remaining shares. This trend highlights the increasing involvement of top players in club ownership, reshaping the landscape of football business and management.
