Cristiano Ronaldo Shocks Football World with Strategic Ownership Stake in Professional Club
Cristiano Ronaldo is venturing into club ownership territory after acquiring a minority stake in UD Almería from Spain's La Liga 2.
Ronaldo's playing journey continues with Al Nassr, where recent tensions regarding the club's future seem to have been resolved in favor of chasing a Saudi Pro League championship. The 41-year-old's four strikes across three matches since ending a brief protest has placed the team atop the league table.
While Ronaldo has resisted the natural aging process like few athletes ever have, this business move to purchase a 25% ownership in Almería hints at his future plans. The five-time Ballon d'Or recipient has demonstrated minimal enthusiasm for coaching roles, so if he remains connected to football after hanging up his boots, club ownership represents his most probable avenue.
Indeed, during his appearance at the Globe Soccer Awards in December 2024, he confirmed this sentiment: "Taking on a head coach or manager role? No … but perhaps I could pursue club ownership."
Cristiano Ronaldo: Billionaire
Cristiano Ronaldo: Billionaire
In 2025, Bloomberg designated Ronaldo as a billionaire, establishing him as the inaugural soccer player to reach 10-figure wealth status. Through career income, business ventures and sponsorship deals, Ronaldo's fortune according to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index reached $1.4 billion.
Despite already possessing enormous wealth from a career that saw him emerge as the world's premier player at Manchester United by 2008, followed by nine legendary seasons at Real Madrid and a lucrative stint with Juventus, his fortune has grown exponentially since relocating to Saudi Arabia in early 2023. His global-leading compensation package there exceeds $236 million annually.
The amount he invested in Almería remains undisclosed.
CR7 Uses Saudi Arabia Contacts to Facilitate Buy-in
CR7 Uses Saudi Arabia Contacts to Facilitate Buy-in
Ronaldo's entry route appears to have been through his Saudi connections. Almería was previously controlled by senior government official and boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh from 2019–2025, before being acquired last year by a Saudi-supported group led by Mohammed Al Khereiji.
"Contributing to football beyond playing has been a long-held dream of mine," Ronaldo commented. "UD Almería represents a Spanish institution with solid fundamentals and evident growth opportunities. I'm excited to collaborate with the management team in supporting the club's upcoming development phase."
Al Khereiji remarked: "We're delighted that Cristiano selected our organization for his investment. He's considered the finest player in history, possesses extensive knowledge of Spanish football, and comprehends the possibilities we're creating here regarding both the squad and youth development."
Interestingly, Almería as an institution is actually newer than Ronaldo himself, established in 1989. Beginning in Spain's fifth division, they climbed to the former La Liga 2 equivalent within six years and made their La Liga debut in 2007. Almería has alternated between Spain's premier divisions since then, achieving their best finish of eighth place during that inaugural 2007–08 season, with their most recent La Liga appearance in 2023–24.
Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Record vs. Almería
Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Record vs. Almería
As an active player, Ronaldo has encountered Almería seven times throughout his career, all occurring between 2009–2015 in La Liga.