Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a new step in his career off the pitch by acquiring 25% of UD Almeria, currently third in the Liga Hypermotion (Spanish Second Division), just two points off the top of the table with 15 rounds still to play. This news confirms the exclusive published by MARCA on May 16, 2025, which indicated that the Portuguese “could soon join Almeria’s group of owners”, when Mohamed Al-Khereiji took over the club.
The operation, announced on Thursday, was carried out through CR7 Sports Investments, a new subsidiary of his company CR7 SA, through which the 41-year-old striker channels his business and investments. Although no financial figures have been revealed, the official statement defines the purchase as a “strategic investment” that reflects the Al-Nassr player’s long-term commitment to the ownership of professional clubs. In fact, according to this media outlet, UD Almeria will also make it official shortly through a statement and Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement “is something that has been in the works for a long time”.
For some time now I have had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the field
“I have long had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the field,” said the Portugal captain. “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,” he continued.
Return to Spanish football
The investment also means the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Spanish soccer, although now from the offices. His involvement comes a year after the Andalusian club was acquired by a Saudi investment group. The club’s president, Mohamed Al Khereiji, welcomed the Portuguese’s entry into the club’s shareholding: “We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in. He is regarded as the best on the pitch, knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building here, both in the first team and in the youth academy.”
We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in
Cristiano Ronaldo has a close relationship with Al Khereiji, who is said to have played a key role in his move to Al-Nassr following his controversial departure from Manchester United and has now managed to get the Portuguese star to acquire 25% of the Andalusian club.
A business milestone
The deal represents an important milestone in the striker’s business career, as he had already publicly expressed his desire to become a club owner. In December 2024, during the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, he even went so far as to say that if he were ever to own a club, he would correct from within the structural problems that, in his opinion, affect some major European clubs.
Now, as he continues to expand his legacy as an active footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo is taking his first firm steps in the boardroom, combining goals and investments in a new phase that combines his sporting ambition with his business vision.
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