27 February 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially acquired a 25% ownership stake in the Spanish second-division club UD Almería.
The deal, executed through his investment vehicle, CR7 Sports Investments, marks Ronaldo’s first major foray into club ownership. While the financial specifics remain undisclosed, the partnership is being hailed as a "long-term strategic investment" that could reshape the future of the Andalusian club.
Ronaldo, who celebrated his 41st birthday earlier this month, has never been shy about his post-retirement ambitions. In a statement following the announcement, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner expressed his enthusiasm for the project:
"I have long had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the pitch. UD Almería is a club with a strong foundation and clear growth potential. I wish to work with the team leading the club to support it in its new phase of growth."
The timing is particularly notable. UD Almería was acquired by a Saudi Investment group in May 2025, and Ronaldo’s existing ties to Saudi Arabia—where he currently captains Al Nassr—likely smoothed the path for this deal.
Almería is currently fighting for a return to La Liga. After being relegated in April 2024, the "UDA" is currently sitting third in the Segunda División, just two points behind leaders Racing Santander after 27 matches.
Coach Juan Francesc Ferrer 'Rubi' called the news "extraordinary," noting the psychological boost Ronaldo’s presence brings to the city and the province.
1. Expertise: Rubi highlighted Ronaldo's "extensive knowledge of sport" as a key asset for the club's development.
2. The "Player-Owner" Dream: When asked if Ronaldo might ever suit up for the team, Rubi didn't rule it out, stating, "This is his club... we would welcome him with open arms."
UD Almería President Mohamed al Khereiji emphasized that Ronaldo’s involvement goes beyond marketing. "He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building here, both in terms of the team and the youth academy," Al Khereiji said.
Despite his new role as a shareholder, Ronaldo isn't hanging up his boots just yet:
1. Contract Extension: He recently extended his deal with Al Nassr through June 2027.
2. The Road to 1,000: Ronaldo continues his historic hunt for 1,000 career goals.
3. World Cup Ambitions: He is expected to lead Portugal this summer in what will be a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance.
For the Almería faithful, this investment puts the club on the global map. With the influence of the CR7 brand, the club is expected to see a surge in international sponsorship interest and a potential overhaul of its youth scouting network.
Is Almería the next big power in Spanish football? With Ronaldo in the boardroom and a return to La Liga on the horizon, the foundations are certainly being laid.
Subject : Cristiano Ronaldo SPL Al Nassr Spain CR7 UD Almeria Laliga
শুক্রবার, ২৭ ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০২৬
Publish Date : ২৭ ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০২৬
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially acquired a 25% ownership stake in the Spanish second-division club UD Almería.
The deal, executed through his investment vehicle, CR7 Sports Investments, marks Ronaldo’s first major foray into club ownership. While the financial specifics remain undisclosed, the partnership is being hailed as a "long-term strategic investment" that could reshape the future of the Andalusian club.
Ronaldo, who celebrated his 41st birthday earlier this month, has never been shy about his post-retirement ambitions. In a statement following the announcement, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner expressed his enthusiasm for the project:
"I have long had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the pitch. UD Almería is a club with a strong foundation and clear growth potential. I wish to work with the team leading the club to support it in its new phase of growth."
The timing is particularly notable. UD Almería was acquired by a Saudi Investment group in May 2025, and Ronaldo’s existing ties to Saudi Arabia—where he currently captains Al Nassr—likely smoothed the path for this deal.
Almería is currently fighting for a return to La Liga. After being relegated in April 2024, the "UDA" is currently sitting third in the Segunda División, just two points behind leaders Racing Santander after 27 matches.
Coach Juan Francesc Ferrer 'Rubi' called the news "extraordinary," noting the psychological boost Ronaldo’s presence brings to the city and the province.
1. Expertise: Rubi highlighted Ronaldo's "extensive knowledge of sport" as a key asset for the club's development.
2. The "Player-Owner" Dream: When asked if Ronaldo might ever suit up for the team, Rubi didn't rule it out, stating, "This is his club... we would welcome him with open arms."
UD Almería President Mohamed al Khereiji emphasized that Ronaldo’s involvement goes beyond marketing. "He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building here, both in terms of the team and the youth academy," Al Khereiji said.
Despite his new role as a shareholder, Ronaldo isn't hanging up his boots just yet:
1. Contract Extension: He recently extended his deal with Al Nassr through June 2027.
2. The Road to 1,000: Ronaldo continues his historic hunt for 1,000 career goals.
3. World Cup Ambitions: He is expected to lead Portugal this summer in what will be a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance.
For the Almería faithful, this investment puts the club on the global map. With the influence of the CR7 brand, the club is expected to see a surge in international sponsorship interest and a potential overhaul of its youth scouting network.
Is Almería the next big power in Spanish football? With Ronaldo in the boardroom and a return to La Liga on the horizon, the foundations are certainly being laid.
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