Fakayejo Paul
In a landmark move that signals the next chapter of his storied career, Cristiano Ronaldo has officially entered the world of football club ownership.
The Portuguese superstar has acquired a 25% stake in the Spanish side UD Almería, a deal finalized through his newly established subsidiary,
CR7 Sports Investments.
The transaction marks a significant deepening of Ronaldo’s ties with Saudi sports interests. Almería is currently owned by the SMC Group, a Saudi investment firm led by Mohamed Al-Khereiji, who played a pivotal role in bringing Ronaldo to Al-Nassr in 2022.
Al-Khereiji, who remains the club’s president, welcomed the partnership, citing Ronaldo’s unparalleled expertise in Spanish football and his shared vision for the club’s academy and global growth.
A New Era for the “UDA”
Currently competing in the Segunda División, Almería sits in a prime position for promotion back to La Liga. For Ronaldo, this investment is about more than just business; it’s a strategic entry into the infrastructure of the sport he has dominated for two decades.
“It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo stated. “UD Almería is a club with strong foundations and clear potential. I look forward to supporting the club’s next phase of growth.”