Cristiano Ronaldo is making waves in Spanish football once again, with the announcement that the Portuguese superstar—via his CR7 Sports Investments company—has acquired a 25% stake in Almeria.
Although currently competing in the Segunda División, ambitious plans are already underway following Ronaldo’s involvement.
Real Madrid icon Ronaldo returns to Spanish football
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner previously faced Almeria during his legendary spell at Real Madrid, where he scored 450 goals in 438 appearances. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, though it is described as a “long-term strategic investment.”
Almeria’s official statement reads:
“Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired 25% of the shares of UD Almería through CR7 Sports Investments, a subsidiary of CR7 SA. This represents a significant step in the continued growth of both the club and the investment portfolio of the Portuguese businessman.
“This agreement forms part of the international expansion strategy led by President Mohamed Al Khereiji via his SMC Group business conglomerate.”
Ownership part of Ronaldo’s long-term vision
Almeria were taken over by a Saudi investment group in May 2025. Meanwhile, Ronaldo continues to play in the Middle East with Al-Nassr, where he holds one of the most lucrative contracts in football history.
The 41-year-old legend has long expressed interest in club ownership post-retirement. Speaking about his Almeria investment, he said:
“I have always wanted to contribute to football beyond my playing career. UD Almería is a Spanish club with a solid foundation and clear growth potential. I look forward to working with the team to support this next phase of development.”
Mohamed Al Khereiji welcomed Ronaldo’s involvement, stating:
“He is regarded as the best on the field. He knows Spanish football intimately and understands the potential of what we are building here, both for the team and the youth academy.”
Almeria were relegated from La Liga in 2024 but are currently third in the Segunda División, just two points behind leaders Racing Santander, keeping their promotion hopes alive.
Ronaldo’s presence, his network, and commercial influence are expected to be a major asset at Power Horse Stadium, with the possibility that CR7 could invest in further clubs before retiring for good.
Ronaldo backed to emulate Reynolds and McElhenney at Wrexham
Former Manchester United teammate Louis Saha suggested Ronaldo could follow a path similar to Hollywood stars at Wrexham:
“Cristiano Ronaldo could mirror what Ryan Reynolds has done at Wrexham and be hugely successful. He is the ultimate promoter, and his involvement would transform any club. He brought 20 million new followers to Al-Nassr in one year; owning a club would be even bigger.
“Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made an immediate impact at Wrexham, investing heavily in players, and we’ve seen the results. I’d happily serve as sporting director if Cristiano Ronaldo bought a club!”
Ronaldo joins Mbappe and Modric in club ownership
Ronaldo now joins Kylian Mbappe, Luka Modric, Vinicius Junior, and Juan Mata as players who hold stakes in football clubs. That list may grow soon, as another Real Madrid legend, Sergio Ramos, explores a potential takeover at his boyhood club, Sevilla.
