Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has made a significant move off the pitch, acquiring a 25% ownership stake in UD Almeria, a Spanish second division (LaLiga SmartBank) football club, as the Al-Nassr forward continues to build his business empire beyond his playing career.
The deal, confirmed by the club’s management on March 5, 2026, makes Ronaldo the third-largest shareholder in Almeria after the club’s majority owners, a group of Saudi and UAE investors.
Why Almeria?
Almeria is a coastal city in southern Spain with a growing football infrastructure. The club was previously promoted to LaLiga’s top flight before relegation, and new investors see significant potential in returning the club to the Primera Division with the right resources.
Ronaldo’s investment is primarily financial, though he has expressed interest in an advisory role. His association with the club is expected to dramatically raise Almeria’s global profile, attracting sponsorship deals, television interest, and merchandising opportunities worldwide.
Ronaldo’s Business Portfolio
This acquisition is the latest addition to Ronaldo’s extensive business empire, which includes:
- CR7 Hotels: Over 7 luxury hotels across Lisbon, Madrid, Madeira, Marrakech, and New York
- CR7 Fashion: Clothing, footwear, and accessories brand
- Pestana CR7 Lifestyle Hotels: Joint venture with Pestana Group
- Herbalife Ambassadorship: Nutrition and wellness partnership
- Social Media Empire: 900+ million followers generating hundreds of millions in annual brand value
Football Career Status
Ronaldo, now 41, continues to play professional football at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, defying age to remain at the top level. This investment is widely interpreted as preparation for his post-playing career phase, where he intends to remain connected to football as an owner and executive.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 25% stake in Almeria marks another major step in his transformation from football player to football businessman. With Ronaldo’s global reach, Almeria’s fortunes look set to rise significantly in the coming years.