UD Almería have confirmed a significant shift in the club’s ownership structure, announcing fresh investment from one of the most recognisable figures in global football, Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Spanish club disclosed that Ronaldo has joined its ownership consortium, acquiring a 25 per cent stake through CR7 Sports Investments, a subsidiary of his business entity, CR7 S.A. The acquisition forms part of a broader strategic expansion plan being driven by the club’s leadership in collaboration with SMC Group.
According to the club, the transaction represents more than a simple financial commitment. It is viewed as a strategic partnership designed to strengthen Almería’s long-term sporting and commercial ambitions. By bringing in Ronaldo as a shareholder, the club signalled its intention to leverage not only his capital but also his global profile, experience, and deep understanding of elite football structures.
The agreement falls under the wider international growth strategy spearheaded by club president Mohamed Al Khereiji through his holding company, SMC Group. The leadership has been pursuing initiatives aimed at raising the club’s global visibility, enhancing its competitive performance, and developing its youth academy into a sustainable pipeline of talent.
Reacting to the development, Al Khereiji expressed enthusiasm about Ronaldo’s decision to invest in the club. He described the Portuguese icon as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and highlighted his familiarity with Spanish football as a major asset. According to the president, Ronaldo’s knowledge of the Spanish game, coupled with his international experience, aligns with the club’s vision for growth both on and off the pitch.
Al Khereiji added that Ronaldo’s involvement would provide strategic insight and credibility as Almería continues to strengthen its sporting project and expand its brand footprint. He emphasised that the club’s ambitions extend beyond immediate competitive objectives, focusing also on infrastructure development and long-term sustainability.
In his remarks, Ronaldo said the investment reflects a long-standing ambition to contribute to football beyond his playing career. He noted that Almería possesses solid foundations and clear potential for growth, making it an attractive opportunity for strategic partnership. The forward stated that he looks forward to working closely with the club’s leadership to support its next phase of development.
At 41, Ronaldo remains an active professional footballer, currently representing Al Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia. His career, spanning more than two decades, has seen him compete at the highest levels of European and international football, building a global brand that extends far beyond the sport itself.
His ties to Spanish football are particularly strong due to his nine-year tenure at Real Madrid CF. During that period, he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and secured numerous domestic league titles and UEFA Champions League trophies. His achievements in Spain cemented his legacy as one of the most influential players in the history of La Liga and European competition.
Ronaldo’s move into club ownership reflects a broader trend among elite footballers who transition into executive and investment roles while still active or shortly after retirement. In his case, the acquisition of a substantial stake in Almería signals a deliberate expansion of his business interests within the football ecosystem, complementing his commercial ventures and brand partnerships worldwide.
The development is expected to generate considerable international attention for Almería, potentially boosting sponsorship opportunities, global fan engagement, and strategic partnerships. While Ronaldo’s day-to-day involvement in operational matters remains to be clarified, his presence as a significant shareholder is likely to influence the club’s long-term trajectory.
With this new ownership structure, Almería positions itself at the intersection of sporting ambition and global commercial appeal. The partnership underscores Ronaldo’s evolving role in football — not only as a player of historic stature but also as an emerging figure in club ownership and strategic investment within the sport.
Post comments (0)