Ronaldo Invests In UD Almería As Club Pushes For Promotion

‎Cristiano Ronaldo revealed on Thursday that he has bought a 25% stake in Almería, the Spanish club owned by Saudi interests that competes in the second division.

‎“This strategic investment in UD Almería reflects Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to professional football ownership,” read a statement from his new sports holding company, CR7 Sports Investments, which gave no financial details of the deal.

‎“It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football,” the statement quoted Ronaldo as saying. “I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of growth.”

‎Almería, who were last in the Spanish top flight in 2024, are third in the Segunda, one point from the automatic promotion places. The club is owned by the Saudi group SMC.

‎Almería’s president, Mohamed al-Khereiji, suggested the player would be particularly involved in the club’s youth programme.

‎“He is considered the best on the pitch,” Khereiji said.

‎“He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building.”

‎Ronaldo, who has played in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr since 2023 and who also owns a stake in the club, became the first footballer included in Bloomberg’s “Billionaire Index” last October.

‎He recently rejoined Al-Nassr after a dispute over how the Public Investment Fund managed the winter transfer window.

‎Since returning, he has scored four goals across his last three matches. Cristiano Ronaldo is also preparing to compete in his sixth FIFA World Cup next summer.

‎He has hinted that, at 41, this tournament may be his final appearance on the world stage.