Cristiano Ronaldo has officially acquired a 25% stake in Unión Deportiva Almería, marking his first significant step into football club ownership. The deal was announced on February 26, 2026, with the Portuguese superstar completing the investment through CR7 Sports Investments, a newly established subsidiary of his CR7 SA company.
The Historic Investment
Ronaldo has taken his first significant stride into football club ownership by acquiring a 25% stake in Unión Deportiva Almería, the Spanish second-division side currently competing in LaLiga Hypermotion, announced Thursday, February 26, 2026. The deal, finalized through Ronaldo’s newly established CR7 Sports Investments — a subsidiary of his parent company CR7 SA — positions the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar as a co-owner of the club.
This represents a landmark moment for Ronaldo as he transitions his involvement in football beyond playing. The investment signals his commitment to building a legacy off the pitch while continuing his career as a player with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Almeria’s Current Position
Almería, based in southern Spain, sits third in the Segunda División table, just two points off the promotion spots with a strong chance of returning to La Liga next season. The club currently possesses 48 points from 27 matches with 15 games remaining in their promotion push.
Almería were relegated from La Liga in the 2023-24 season but have rebounded strongly under new Saudi ownership. The move comes one year after Almería was acquired by a Saudi investment group led by Mohamed Al Khereiji, a businessman and close associate of Ronaldo.
Investment Structure and Background
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Stakeholder | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| Stake Percentage | 25% |
| Investment Vehicle | CR7 Sports Investments |
| Announcement Date | February 26, 2026 |
| Club Position | 3rd in Segunda División |
| Points from 27 Matches | 48 points |
| Current Owner | SMC Group/Mohamed Al Khereiji |
| Club Status | Promoted to La Liga 2022, relegated 2024 |
| Club Location | Andalusia, Southern Spain |
Ronaldo’s Statement and Vision
Ronaldo described the investment as the fulfillment of a longtime ambition, stating: “It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch“. The superstar emphasized his confidence in the club’s trajectory, declaring that UD Almería possesses “strong foundations and clear growth potential.”
Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, but reports indicate the stake represents a meaningful entry for Ronaldo into executive football roles.
Connection to Al Khereiji and Saudi Investment
Al Khereiji played a key role in facilitating Ronaldo’s high-profile transfer to Al-Nassr in December 2022, and their relationship has strengthened since. The connection between the two figures has fueled speculation about deeper strategic ties between Saudi interests and Spanish football development.
Global Impact and Brand Value
Ronaldo’s global brand — bolstered by more than 700 million social media followers — could significantly boost Almería’s visibility, sponsorship opportunities and commercial revenue. Sources close to Almería described Ronaldo’s involvement as a “game-changer” for branding and international appeal, particularly in markets across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Transition from Playing to Ownership
Ronaldo’s ownership debut follows a pattern among football icons transitioning from playing careers, with figures like David Beckham (Inter Miami), Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney (Wrexham) and Thierry Henry (former stake in MLS clubs) leveraging fame and capital to influence clubs.
Read More: Frenkie de Jong Out for 5-6 Weeks: Barcelona Midfielder’s Distal Biceps Injury Confirmed
