Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a major step into football ownership by purchasing a 25 per cent stake in UD Almeria, a club currently competing in Spain’s Segunda Division.
The investment has been made through his subsidiary CR7 Sports as part of a consortium led by SMC Group, which already owns the Spanish club.
Why Ronaldo Chose Almeria
In a statement released by UD Almeria, Ronaldo explained his motivation behind the move:
“It has been a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football beyond just on the pitch. UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the next phase of the club’s growth.”
Almeria president Mohammed Al Khereiji welcomed the Portuguese icon, calling him one of the greatest players in football history.
“He knows Spanish football very well and understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy,” Khereiji said.
Almeria’s Promotion Push
Almeria are currently placed third in the Segunda Division and are pushing for promotion back to Spain’s top flight. Ronaldo’s investment could provide additional momentum both financially and commercially as the club aims to return to elite competition.
Ronaldo’s Record Against Almeria
Interestingly, Ronaldo has a flawless record against Almeria from his playing days with Real Madrid CF.
- 7 matches
- 7 goals
He also faced Almeria in a friendly with Al Nassr FC, winning 3-2.
Still Delivering at 41
Despite moving into club ownership, Ronaldo remains a dominant force on the field. The 41-year-old recently became Al Nassr’s all-time top scorer, reaching 121 goals for the Saudi club.
He remains under contract with Al Nassr until 2027 and has already scored 22 goals in 25 appearances this season, proving age is just a number for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.