Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25% ownership stake in Spanish second-tier club UD Almería, the club announced on Thursday.
The Portuguese forward made the investment through his company, CR7 Sports. Ronaldo previously played for Real Madrid for nine years and remains the club’s all-time leading goal scorer.
“I have long had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the pitch,” Cristiano Ronaldo said in a statement. “UD Almería is a Spanish 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.”
Ronaldo has previously expressed his desire to own a football club after retiring from professional football.
Almería were relegated from LaLiga at the end of the 2023–24 season and were taken over in 2025 by Saudi-based SMC Group. The club did not disclose the financial terms of Ronaldo’s investment.
In a statement, Almería said the agreement is part of the club’s international expansion strategy led by president Mohamed Al Khereiji through his business holding, SMC Group.
Ronaldo, 41, has been playing in Saudi Arabia since 2023 after joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
Almería president Mohamed Al Khereiji welcomed Ronaldo’s involvement, highlighting his experience and understanding of football development.
“He is considered the best on the pitch,” Al Khereiji said. “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.”
Almería are currently third in Spain’s second tier, sitting two points behind leaders Racing Santander after 27 matches, and are in contention for promotion back to LaLiga.