Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25% stake in Spanish second-tier side Almeria
Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased a 25% stake in Spanish second division club UD Almeria as the Portugal forward looks to expand his influence beyond his playing career.
The Al-Nassr captain confirmed the acquisition in a statement on Thursday morning.
It marks a significant return to Spanish football for the former Real Madrid superstar, who left La Liga for Juventus in 2018.
Financial details of the investment have not been disclosed by either party.
“It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch,” said Ronaldo.
“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 club’s next phase of growth.”
Push for La Liga promotion
The immediate priority for the new ownership structure will be securing promotion to the Spanish top flight.
Almeria currently sit third in the Segunda Division table on 48 points after 27 matches.
The Andalusian side are just two points behind league leaders Real Racing with 15 games remaining in the campaign.
Ronaldo’s investment sees him partnering with Mohamed Al Khereiji, the leader of the Saudi investment group that took control of the club last year.
The two men reportedly share a close relationship, with Al Khereiji instrumental in facilitating the forward’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2022.
Balancing playing and ownership
The 41-year-old is now in the unique position of being an active player in the Saudi Pro League while serving as a co-owner of a European club.
He recently returned to the scoresheet for Al-Nassr, breaking the deadlock in a 5-0 victory over Al-Najma on Wednesday.
That result kept his current side top of the table, two points clear of Al-Ahli.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner appears to have settled differences with club officials following a dispute over squad investment during the January transfer window.
This move into administration follows comments made at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in December 2024 regarding his former club Manchester United.
Ronaldo had hinted at a desire to help fix issues at Old Trafford, suggesting problems there went far deeper than results on the pitch.