UD Almería confirm 25% stake sale to Cristiano Ronaldo in ownership reshuffle

Spanish club UD Almería have announced a significant change in their ownership structure, confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo has joined the club’s investor group with a minority stake, Sport360NG reports.

In a statement released on Thursday, Almería revealed that the Portuguese superstar has acquired 25 percent of the club through CR7 Sports Investments, a subsidiary of CR7 S.A. The investment forms part of the ownership consortium spearheaded by Saudi-based SMC Group.

The club described the move as a strategic milestone, highlighting that Ronaldo’s entry represents both an expansion of the forward’s growing business portfolio and a boost to Almería’s long-term development plans.

According to the statement, the transaction aligns with the international growth strategy being implemented by club president Mohamed Al Khereiji through his holding company, SMC Group.

President Welcomes New Shareholder

Al Khereiji expressed his delight at Ronaldo’s involvement, describing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as a transformative figure in the sport.

“We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen to invest in our club,” the president said. “He is regarded as one of the greatest players in football history. He understands Spanish football deeply and recognises the potential of what we are building here, both with the first team and at academy level.”

Ronaldo: Investment Beyond the Pitch

Ronaldo, 41, said the decision reflects his ambition to contribute to football beyond his playing career.

He noted that Almería’s foundations and long-term vision were key factors in his decision, adding that he looks forward to collaborating with the club’s leadership as it enters a new phase of growth.

The Portugal international remains an active player with Al Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, extending a professional career that has spanned more than two decades at the elite level.

Ronaldo’s ties to Spanish football are well established following his prolific nine-year spell at Real Madrid CF, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and secured numerous domestic and European honours.

His latest move into Spanish football ownership is likely to intensify speculation about a future return to the country in a broader capacity, as he continues to expand his commercial and sporting footprint within the global game.