Kamal Ghorui
Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a minority stake in Spanish second-tier side UD Almería, according to a statement released on Thursday by Brunswick Group, the consulting firm representing the Portuguese superstar.The firm confirmed that Ronaldo has purchased a 25 per cent share in the club, which is currently owned by Saudi Arabian investors.
The 41-year-old forward has been based in Saudi Arabia since late 2022, when he joined Al-Nassr. His latest move signals an ambition to extend his involvement in football beyond his playing career.“It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch. UD Almería is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth,” Ronaldo said in the statement.According to Brunswick Group, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner completed the investment through his CR7 Sports Investments subsidiary.Almería has been under Saudi ownership for more than six years. In the summer of 2025, Mohamed Al-Khereiji took over as owner and president after purchasing the club from Turki Al Alsheikh.“We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in,” Al-Khereiji said.“He knows the Spanish leagues very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy.”The financial terms of the deal were not made public. Almería did not immediately respond to an email from the Associated Press seeking further clarification.Currently, Almería sit third in Spain’s second division. The club last competed in the top flight during the 2023–24 season.
