Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a significant step into football ownership after acquiring a 25% stake in Spanish second division side Almeria.
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward completed the investment through his newly formed CR7 Sports Investments company, becoming co-owner of the club.
While financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, Ronaldo has now made his first statement on the announcement.
Cristiano Ronaldo outlines ambition after buying stake in Almeria
Almeria are currently owned by a Saudi Arabian investment consortium led by Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
Ronaldo will now work alongside the leadership group as the club eyes their next phase of development.
In his first comments since purchasing the stake, he made it clear that this move is part of a broader vision beyond his playing career.
“It has been a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo said in a statement.
The Portugal international expressed confidence in the club’s trajectory, adding that UD Almeria is “a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth.”
Ronaldo also said he was looking forward “to working with the leadership team to support the next phase of the club’s growth.”
The move represents another expansion of his business portfolio and hints at a gradual transition into life after football, while still competing with Al-Nassr.
Almeria pushing for La Liga promotion this season
Ronaldo’s investment comes at a fascinating moment in Almeria’s season.
The club currently sit third in the Segunda Division table with 48 points from 27 matches, just two points behind leaders Racing.
The top two teams earn automatic promotion to La Liga, while those finishing between third and sixth enter the playoffs.
Almeria are firmly in the mix for a return to Spain’s top flight, giving Ronaldo immediate sporting interest in the club’s fortunes.
Should they secure promotion, Almeria could find themselves facing Real Madrid and Barcelona next season — two clubs central to Ronaldo’s legacy in Spanish football.
For now, the focus remains on sealing promotion, but Ronaldo’s arrival as co-owner has added a new layer of ambition and attention to the project.
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