Ronaldo stuns Spain with bold Almería ownership move

February 26, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a minority stake in UD Almería as he begins shaping his future beyond football, according to Fabrizio Romano, who reported the development on X.

New chapter in Spain

Writing on X, Fabrizio Romano said Cristiano Ronaldo had purchased 25 percent of the Segunda División side. Romano shared a statement from Ronaldo confirming the move.

“It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch”.

“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”.

Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, remains active at the top level while expanding his business portfolio. Born on February 5, 1985, the Portugal captain recently turned 41.

Promotion push in Segunda División

UD Almería are competing in Spain’s second tier after being relegated from La Liga last season. As of this week, the club are in contention for promotion back to the top flight.

The club is majority owned by Mohamed Al Khereiji, a Saudi businessman with connections to Spanish football and links to Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia during his time at Real Madrid.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the acquisition was made through Ronaldo’s newly launched company, CR7 Sports Investments. Neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor UD Almería have yet released detailed financial terms of the agreement.

Building influence beyond the pitch

Minority stakes are often used by players and former athletes as an entry point into long term ownership. Sports business analysts note that such investments allow high profile figures to gain strategic influence without assuming full operational control.

Cristiano Ronaldo has developed an extensive commercial portfolio during his playing career, spanning hospitality, fashion and fitness ventures. His move into club ownership suggests he is preparing for a sustained presence in football once he retires.

While it remains unclear how involved he will be in day to day decision making at UD Almería, the investment places Cristiano Ronaldo inside the boardroom of a European club for the first time.

Sources: Fabrizio Romano