Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Spanish second division club Almeria through CR7 Sports Investments, as the Portugal captain plans for life after retirement
BURAYDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - FEBRUARY 25: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr looks on prior the Saudi Pro League match between Al Najmah and Al Nassr at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
(Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
View Image
Cristiano Ronaldo has embarked on his journey into football ownership after snapping up a 25 per cent share in Spanish side Almeria. The 41 year old continues to find the net regularly for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is set to grace the world's biggest stage once more this summer at the World Cup.
However, the Portugal skipper is already looking ahead to life after retirement. On Thursday, it emerged that Ronaldo has become a part-owner of Almeria, who currently compete in Spain's second tier.
The acquisition has been completed via CR7 Sports Investments, coming a year after Almeria fell under the control of a Saudi investment consortium. In a statement, Ronaldo said: "It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch.
"UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club's next phase of growth."
This investment could mark the beginning of a journey that ultimately sees him take ownership of Manchester United. Ronaldo's former employers have undergone significant changes to their ownership structure over the past two years, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS purchasing a minority shareholding and assuming responsibility for the club's footballing matters.
At the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in 2024, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner addressed United's difficulties and hinted that he could resolve their issues by taking over as owner. "The problem of Manchester United is the same," Ronaldo explained.
"The problem is not always the coach. It's much more than that. If I will be the owner of the club, I will make things clear and adjust things that are bad there."
Whilst Ronaldo has admitted that the end of his career is on the horizon, he remains contracted to Al-Nassr until June 2027. Last November, the striker shed further light on his comments about retiring 'soon'.
"I'm really enjoying the moment right now," Ronaldo began. "As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick.
"I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I'm enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let's be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years."