Lisbon, Portugal – In a move signaling a growing trend of football icons investing in club ownership, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al Nassr forward, has acquired a 25% stake in UD Almería, a Spanish second-division side. The investment, announced Thursday, February 26, 2026, marks Ronaldo’s first foray into owning a football club and further cements the Saudi Arabian influence within Spanish football. This development comes as the 41-year-old continues to play professionally and explores opportunities beyond the pitch, demonstrating a long-term vision for his involvement in the sport.
The acquisition, made through Ronaldo’s investment brand CR7 SA and its subsidiary CR7 Sports Investments, sees him join an ownership group led by the Saudi Media Company (SMC), the organization that operates Al Nassr’s Mrsool Park stadium. SMC took full ownership of Almería in May of last year, a move that initially signaled a broader Saudi investment strategy in European football. Ronaldo’s involvement adds a new dimension to this strategy, bringing not only financial backing but also the global recognition and brand power of one of the sport’s most iconic figures. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is understood to be a significant investment reflecting Ronaldo’s ambition to contribute to the club’s growth.
Ronaldo’s Expanding Portfolio and Continued Playing Career
While establishing himself as a club owner, Ronaldo remains an active player, currently under contract with Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League. He recently signed an extension that will keep him with the club through June 2027, reportedly earning over £175 million ($240m) annually, making him the highest-paid footballer in history. The New York Times reports that this investment in Almería comes after a period of dispute regarding the management of Al Nassr, during which Ronaldo missed three games for the Saudi Pro League side. Upon his return, he publicly expressed his commitment to Saudi Arabia, stating he “belong(s) to Saudi Arabia.” This suggests a desire to balance his business interests with his ongoing playing career and existing commitments.
Despite his age, Ronaldo is still expected to captain the Portuguese national team at this summer’s World Cup, showcasing his continued relevance at the highest level of the game. His decision to invest in a Spanish club, however, highlights a desire to remain connected to European football, where he enjoyed immense success during his nine years with Real Madrid. During his time in Madrid, from 2009 to 2018, Ronaldo won four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles, establishing himself as one of the club’s all-time greats.
Almería’s Ascent and Saudi Arabian Investment
UD Almería currently occupies a strong position in the Spanish second division, sitting third in the table, just two points off the top spot with 15 games remaining. According to the BBC, the club was acquired by the Saudi-led SMC Group, headed by Mohammed Al-Khereiji, last year. Al-Khereiji expressed his enthusiasm for Ronaldo’s investment, stating that the Portuguese star “knows Spanish football very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy.” This sentiment underscores the ambition of the Saudi investors to transform Almería into a competitive force in Spanish football.
The acquisition by SMC Group marked a significant shift for Almería, which had previously been owned by Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), a Saudi government department. The transition to SMC Group signaled a more focused and strategic approach to the club’s development, with a clear emphasis on long-term growth and sustainability. Ronaldo’s investment further reinforces this vision, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the ownership structure.
Ronaldo’s Vision for Almería and Beyond
In a statement released on Thursday, Ronaldo articulated his ambition to contribute to football beyond his playing career. “For a long time, my ambition has been to contribute to football beyond the pitch,” he said. “UD Almeria is a club with a solid foundation and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working with the management team to support the club’s next phase of growth.” This statement suggests a hands-on approach to his ownership role, indicating a desire to actively participate in the club’s decision-making processes and contribute to its overall success.
The investment in Almería is also seen as a strategic move by Ronaldo to diversify his business interests. He was recently announced as football’s first billionaire by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with his company encompassing ventures into water, underwear, footwear, fragrance and partnerships with 18 brands, including Nike. This demonstrates a broader entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to building a lasting legacy beyond his playing days. The acquisition of a stake in a football club aligns with this strategy, providing a platform for further investment and expansion within the sports industry.
Official statement:
Cristiano Ronaldo invests in UD Almería as part of the club ownership consortium led by SMC Group pic.twitter.com/0lk92FUjPH
— UD Almería (@UDAlmeria_Eng) February 26, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25% ownership stake in Spanish second-division club UD Almería.
- The investment is made through his CR7 Sports Investments company and joins a consortium led by Saudi Media Company.
- Ronaldo, 41, remains an active player for Al Nassr and is expected to captain Portugal at the upcoming World Cup.
- The move signifies a growing trend of football icons investing in club ownership and Saudi Arabian influence in European football.
- Almería is currently in contention for promotion to La Liga, Spain’s top-flight league.
The future of UD Almería under this new ownership structure remains to be seen. However, with the backing of the Saudi Media Company and the involvement of a global icon like Cristiano Ronaldo, the club is well-positioned for continued growth and success. The next key date for the club will be the conclusion of the Segunda División season in May 2026, where their promotion ambitions will be put to the test. Fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see how this new partnership unfolds and what impact it will have on the club’s trajectory.
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