Cristiano Ronaldo has made headlines by purchasing a 25 per cent stake in the Spanish second-tier football club UD Almeria. The acquisition, completed through a subsidiary of his investment brand CR7 SA, brings Ronaldo into an ownership group led by the Saudi Media Company, which also operates Al Nassr’s home ground, Mrsool Park. This strategic investment signals Ronaldo’s first foray into club ownership, following a period of tension regarding the management of Al Nassr, where he missed three games due to a dispute.
Currently, UD Almeria sits third in Spain’s Segunda Division, just two points away from the top position, having recently transferred complete ownership to the Saudi-led consortium in May. Ronaldo expressed his enthusiasm about this new role, stating, “For a long time, my ambition has been to contribute to football beyond the pitch.” He acknowledged Almeria as a club with a “solid foundation” and “clear potential for growth,” indicating a commitment to work closely with the management team for the club’s future development.
Ronaldo, who recently became football’s first billionaire according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, has a lucrative contract with Al Nassr, reportedly earning more than £175 million (approximately $240 million) annually. His business empire extends beyond football, involving investments in various sectors such as water, underwear, footwear, and fragrances, as well as partnerships with 18 brands, including Nike.
### Insights into UD Almeria’s Recent Performance
UD Almeria, with a capacity of 17,400 at the Power Horse Stadium, was relegated from La Liga during the 2023-2024 season but finished sixth in the second division last season. Their position in the league currently qualifies them for promotion playoffs, hinting at a potential return to the top tier of Spanish football.
The club’s history in La Liga is modest yet noteworthy. Since their first promotion in 2007, they have spent seven seasons in the top flight, with their last appearance ending in relegation in 2024. Ownership has shifted several times, with Turki Al-Sheikh, a Saudi government official, acquiring the club in 2019, followed by a transfer to a group of Saudi investors led by Mohamed Al-Khereiji at the end of the 2024-2025 season.
Almeria has also fostered strong connections with teams in the Saudi Pro League. In a friendly match against Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in August, Almeria emerged victorious with a score of 3-2, featuring two goals from Ronaldo. Additionally, the club has established a reputation for lucrative player transfers, including the sale of Colombian forward Luis Suarez to Sporting CP for €22 million (around $26 million) last year, and Marc Pubill moving to Atletico Madrid for €16 million.
Ronaldo’s involvement in UD Almeria not only marks a significant chapter in his post-playing career but also positions the club for potential growth and success in the competitive landscape of Spanish football. As he aims to leverage his influence and experience, fans and stakeholders alike will be keenly watching how this partnership unfolds.