By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially stepped into club ownership after acquiring a 25 percent stake in Spanish side UD Almería, marking a historic transition from global superstar to football powerbroker.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed the landmark investment, describing it as the fulfillment of a long-standing ambition to influence the sport beyond his exploits on the pitch.
“It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo said. “Almería is a club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth, and I look forward to working alongside their leadership team to support the club’s next phase.”
Ronaldo’s purchase makes him a minority shareholder in the Spanish club, which is currently competing in the Segunda División after suffering relegation from La Liga in 2024.
The club is owned by Saudi investment firm SMC Group, led by chairman Mohamed Al Khereiji, whose ownership began in 2025 as part of an ambitious long-term sporting and commercial project.
Ronaldo’s arrival is viewed internally as a major boost to Almería’s global profile, commercial reach, and promotion ambitions.
His investment was made through his personal business portfolio, although the financial terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed.
Remarkably, Ronaldo makes this move while still actively playing at the highest level for Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr, where he remains one of the league’s marquee attractions.
His entry into ownership reflects a growing trend of elite players preparing for executive and ownership roles while still active, positioning themselves for influence long after retirement.
Sources close to the deal indicate Ronaldo will not be involved in day-to-day operations but will play a strategic role in global branding, sporting vision, and international partnerships.
Almería, founded in 1989 and based in Andalusia, is regarded as one of Spain’s most promising modern clubs, with strong infrastructure, a modern stadium, and a growing international fanbase.