Cristiano Ronaldo becomes part-owner of Spanish Club UD Almería in major career move

In a landmark development in global football, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a significant step off the pitch by becoming a part-owner of Spanish side UD Almería. According to official club announcements, Ronaldo has acquired a 25 percent stake in the Spanish second-division team via his investment vehicle CR7 Sports Investments. The deal, whose financial details have not been publicly disclosed, was confirmed on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Strategic Move into Football Ownership At 41 years old, Ronaldo remains one of the most influential figures in world football, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. But this latest venture marks a new chapter in his enduring legacy, as he expands his involvement in the sport beyond his playing career. “It has been a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football beyond just on the pitch,” Ronaldo said in an official statement shared by UD Almería. “UD Almería is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear growth potential. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the next phase of the club’s growth.” Growing Influence and Ambition The investment reflects Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to football and business development. It aligns with his broader ambitions to remain actively involved in the sport once his playing days conclude. The move also reinforces existing ties between Ronaldo and Spanish football. Having spent nine successful years at Real Madrid, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer, the Portuguese icon’s return to Spain in an ownership capacity underscores his deep connection to the country’s footballing landscape. UD Almería’s Position and Potential UD Almería, based in Andalusia, suffered relegation from La Liga at the end of the 2023-24 season but has since regrouped under the ownership of Saudi investment group SMC. The club currently sits third in Spain’s Segunda División, pushing for automatic promotion back into the top flight. Mohamed Al Khereiji, president of UD Almería, welcomed Ronaldo’s involvement, saying the club is “very pleased” with the investment. He highlighted Ronaldo’s knowledge of Spanish football and his potential contributions to the team and its academy structure. A New Phase for Ronaldo and Almería This strategic purchase marks Ronaldo’s first official ownership tie with a football club, bringing a new dimension to his footballing career. While still performing at the highest level with Al-Nassr, and continuing to chase titles and personal milestones, Ronaldo is now also shaping his future as a club investor and part-owner. The move could have far-reaching implications if Al-Nassr and UD Almería find themselves competing in Spanish and European competitions in the coming seasons, illustrating Ronaldo’s unique dual role in modern football.