Cristiano Ronaldo acquires 25 per cent ownership stake in Spanish club UD Almeria
New Delhi, February 26
Portugal football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25 per cent ownership stake in the Spanish football club UD Almeria, which features in the country's second-division football, reported ESPN on Thursday.
The financial terms of the transaction done via the legendary footballer's CR7 Sports Investments company have not been disclosed, but is considered to be a long-term investment for Ronaldo, who has turned 41 this year and is in the twilight of his career, which has seen him turn up for clubs like Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
"I have long had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the pitch," Ronaldo said in a statement as quoted by ESPN.
"UD Almeria is a Spanish club with a strong foundation and clear growth potential. I wish to work with the team leading the club to support it in its new phase of growth," the footballer added.
UD Almeria in May last year, was overtaken by a Saudi investment group, and this is another Saudi connection for the footballer, who had expressed his desire for club ownership after hanging up his football boots.
The 41-year-old had his Al Nassr contract extended to June 2027 last year and is expected to lead Portugal in a record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup appearance this year.
UD Almeria president Mohamed al Khereiji expressed the happiness to have the five-time Ballon d'Or winner on board.
"He is considered the best on the pitch," Al Khereiji said. "He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the youth academy," he added.
UD Almeria was demoted to the second division back in April 2024 and are in the direction to secure the promotion to the nation's top-flight football, La Liga, this season. They are placed third in the second-tier competition and two points short of table-toppers Racing Santander after 27 games.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see legends like Ronaldo giving back to football. But I do wonder if this is just another case of big money flowing into clubs from the Gulf. Will it actually help Spanish football in the long run, or just create more financial disparity?
GOAT things! At 41, he's still playing at the top level AND becoming a club owner. His work ethic is unbelievable. Indian footballers should take note - planning your future is as important as your current game. 💪
Interesting investment strategy. Almeria is third and pushing for promotion. If they make it to La Liga, the value of his stake will skyrocket. He knows the Spanish market well from his Real Madrid days. Sharp business mind.
All the best to him! But honestly, as an Indian fan, I wish our own legends like Sunil Chhetri would get opportunities to invest in and run clubs here. Our ISL needs that kind of star power and vision at the ownership level.
The man is a brand. CR7 Sports Investments... he's building an empire. From player to owner, that's the dream trajectory. Wonder if he'll try to buy a stake in Sporting CP someday, where it all began for him.
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