Cristiano Ronaldo’s Almería Investment: A New Wave of Football Club Ownership?
Cristiano Ronaldo, already a global icon on the pitch and a burgeoning business mogul, has taken a significant step into football club ownership, acquiring a 25% stake in Spanish second-division side UD Almería. This move, completed through his CR7 Sports Investments, signals a growing trend: high-profile athletes diversifying their portfolios by investing in, and becoming part-owners of, football clubs.
From Player to Proprietor: Ronaldo Follows a Growing Trend
Ronaldo’s investment isn’t an isolated incident. Several other prominent footballers, including Kylian Mbappé, Luka Modric, and Vinicius Junior, have also ventured into club ownership or investment. This shift reflects a desire to remain involved in the sport beyond their playing careers and capitalize on their brand recognition and financial success. The Almería acquisition, backed by Saudi investment through SMC Group, highlights the increasing intersection of sports, business, and international capital.
The Saudi Connection and Global Football Investment
The involvement of Saudi Arabian entities in Almería, and now Ronaldo’s personal investment, is noteworthy. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been actively increasing its presence in global sports, most notably through its ownership of Newcastle United. This trend extends beyond Saudi Arabia, with investment groups from the United States, Asia, and other regions increasingly eyeing European football clubs. The appeal lies in the potential for financial returns, brand building, and geopolitical influence.
What Does This Mean for Almería?
For UD Almería, currently third in Spain’s Segunda División, Ronaldo’s involvement is a game-changer. Whereas the financial details of the deal haven’t been disclosed, the partnership promises increased visibility, potential sponsorship opportunities, and access to a wider network of resources. The club’s president, Mohamed al Khereiji, anticipates Ronaldo’s expertise will be particularly valuable in developing the club’s youth program. This mirrors the success seen with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership of Wrexham, where celebrity involvement dramatically boosted the club’s profile.
The Billionaire Athlete Investor
Ronaldo’s ability to make this investment is underpinned by his financial success. He became football’s first billionaire in late 2025, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, fueled by his lucrative playing contract with Al-Nassr and a diverse portfolio of business ventures. This financial strength allows him to pursue opportunities beyond the field, solidifying his position as a major player in the business of football.
Beyond the Pitch: The Rise of Athlete-Owned Ventures
This trend isn’t limited to simply buying stakes in existing clubs. Athletes are also launching their own teams, investing in infrastructure, and developing innovative sports-related businesses. This diversification reflects a broader shift in the athlete mindset, from solely focusing on performance to building long-term financial security, and influence. The potential for leveraging personal brands and engaging with fans directly is a key driver of this trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much did Cristiano Ronaldo invest in Almería?
A: The exact amount has not been publicly disclosed.
Q: Who owns the majority of UD Almería?
A: The club is majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s SMC Group.
Q: Is this Ronaldo’s first involvement in club ownership?
A: No, he already owns a stake in Al-Nassr.
Q: What is CR7 Sports Investments?
A: It’s a subsidiary of Ronaldo’s investment brand, CR7 SA, dedicated to managing his business and investment ventures.
Q: What are the potential benefits for Almería?
A: Increased visibility, sponsorship opportunities, and access to resources are expected benefits.
Did you know? Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer included in Bloomberg’s “Billionaire Index” in October 2025.
Pro Tip: Athlete investments in football clubs are often driven by a combination of financial returns, brand building, and a desire to stay connected to the sport after retirement.
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