Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Co-Owner of Spanish Club UD Almeria
In a significant move that blends sports and business, global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become a co-owner of Spanish club UD Almeria. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward, currently playing for Al-Nassr and captaining the Portugal national team, has acquired a 25 percent stake in the club, which competes in Spain's second division.
Investment Through New Subsidiary
The acquisition was announced on Thursday morning, with Ronaldo's shareholding being held under CR7 Sports Investments, a newly established subsidiary of his. While the exact purchase figure has not been disclosed, this investment marks Ronaldo's notable return to Spanish football after nine highly successful seasons at Real Madrid, where he won numerous trophies before departing for Juventus in the summer of 2018.
Ronaldo expressed his enthusiasm in a statement, saying, 'It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch. 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.'
Strategic Alignment with Saudi Backing
This development comes approximately one year after UD Almeria was taken over by a Saudi investment group, highlighting a strategic alignment between Ronaldo's interests and the club's Saudi-backed ownership. The club's president, Al Khereiji, welcomed Ronaldo's involvement, stating, '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 move underscores Ronaldo's transition into football ownership while he remains an active player, potentially setting a precedent for other athletes. It also reflects the growing influence of Saudi investment in global sports, particularly in football clubs across Europe.
As UD Almeria aims for growth and possibly promotion to La Liga, Ronaldo's expertise and star power are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the club's profile, attracting talent, and developing its academy. This investment not only strengthens the club's financial and strategic position but also adds a layer of prestige with one of football's most celebrated figures at the helm.
