Cristiano Ronaldo misses out on LaLiga return for 2026/27 season
Image Credits: Imago Images
It hasn’t been the greatest of weeks for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Manchester United legend failed to lead Portugal to three points in their first 2026 World Cup game against DR Congo, picking up his fair share of scrutiny online for a poor performance.
Now Ronaldo has taken a sporting and financial hit at club level.
In February 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his involvement in Spanish club UD Almeria, as he bought a 25 per cent stake in the side.
Upon the significant landmark for both he and the second-tier team, Ronaldo said at the time, “It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch.
“UD Almeria is a Spanish club with solid foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of growth.”
But in their first full season under the minority ownership of Ronaldo, Almeria have missed out on promotion to LaLiga. The Rojiblancos lost 2-1 to Malaga in the play-off final, sending their opponents up to the first division, which Ronaldo ruled over for nine campaigns of his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2009, before scoring 311 goals in LaLiga across nine seasons. A return in some capacity looked to be destined.
But the now 41-year-old will not be involved in the Primera Division in 2026/27 after this heartbreaking play-off final loss, in which Malaga went 2-0 up and never let their lead slip out of reach.
Ronaldo is older than Almeria itself, a city that was founded in 1989. His involvement in the club is yet another investment he has made in his lucrative career, but for now the sporting or financial rewards won’t be felt.
UD Almeria will go again next season, and hope to turn their play-off heartbreak into fuel for promotion.
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