Cristiano Ronaldo Acquires 25% Stake in Former La Liga Football Club

Cristiano Ronaldo Buys Shares in Spanish Second Division Side

In a move that marks his most significant step into football club ownership, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25 percent stake in second divison side Almería, one of Spain’s historic sports clubs.

The deal, confirmed on 26 February 2026, represents a landmark in Ronaldo’s transition from world-class athlete to strategic investor in the global football ecosystem. The acquisition was carried out through CR7 Sports Investments, a newly formed subsidiary of his broader business entity CR7 SA, which manages his diverse commercial portfolio and ventures beyond the pitch.

At 41 years old, Ronaldo still plays professionally as captain of Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, but this deal signals a long-held ambition to influence football from the executive level, aligning his on-field legacy with a growing footprint in club ownership.

In a statement released by CR7 Sports Investments, Ronaldo said: “I have been aspiring to contribute to football for a long time, far beyond the pitch,"

Although financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed, the investment underscores Ronaldo’s confidence in Almería’s sporting and commercial prospects, particularly as the club pushes for promotion to La Liga, Spain’s elite division.

🚨🔴⚪️ OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25% of Spanish side Almeria.

Deal completed with second division side currently owned by Saudi investment group. pic.twitter.com/qG8Dbcd0vY

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 26, 2026

Why Did Ronaldo Choose Almería?

Many fans have asked why Ronaldo chose Almería instead of a bigger or more famous club. The answer appears to be a mix of timing, opportunity and strategy.

Almería is based in the Andalusian city of Almería in southern Spain. The club has moved between the first and second divisions several times in its history. They last competed in Spain’s top league, La Liga, during the 2023–24 season before being relegated.

This season, however, the team is performing strongly in the Segunda División and pushing for promotion. Sitting near the top of the table, Almería has a genuine chance of returning to La Liga. Ronaldo’s investment comes at a key moment, when the club is building momentum both on and off the field.

Another important factor is the club’s ownership. Almería has been under Saudi ownership for several years. In 2025, businessman Mohamed Al-Khereiji took control of the club and became its president. His arrival marked a new phase, with plans to strengthen the team and improve the club’s business operations.

Ronaldo already has strong ties in Saudi Arabia because of his move to Al-Nassr in 2023. While there is no official confirmation that these connections directly led to the deal, it is clear that shared networks and business relationships may have helped build trust between the parties.

Cristiano Ronaldo is now only 35 goals away from becoming the first footballer in recorded history to score 1,000 career goals ⏳⚽️ pic.twitter.com/t4kfyrsHSI

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2026

For Ronaldo, Almería offers something different from buying into a global giant. A 25 percent stake is significant and gives him real influence. At a smaller but ambitious club, he can play a meaningful role in shaping strategy, rather than being just a minor shareholder.

For Almería, the benefits are obvious. Ronaldo’s name brings global attention. Sponsors, young players and international fans are more likely to notice the club now. His presence alone raises the team’s profile.

What Could This Mean for the Club’s Future?

Ronaldo’s investment is about more than money. It sends a message that Almería is serious about growth. With promotion to La Liga within reach, the timing could not be better.

If the team returns to Spain’s top division, Ronaldo’s influence could help attract stronger players and new business partnerships. His experience at some of the biggest clubs in the world gives him deep knowledge of what is needed to compete at the highest level. From training facilities to global marketing strategies, he has seen how elite football organizations operate.

There is also the long-term picture. Many top players eventually move into coaching or media work after retiring. Ronaldo seems to be choosing a different path. By investing in a club now, while he is still playing, he is gaining experience in sports business early. This could be the first step in building a larger football ownership portfolio in the future.

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the latest superstar to buy his own team after acquiring 25% of Almeria 💰 pic.twitter.com/gApBjfslNE

— LiveScore (@livescore) February 26, 2026

For Almería supporters, the news brings excitement and hope. While success is never guaranteed in football, having one of the greatest players in history involved at ownership level adds belief. Fans will be watching closely to see how active Ronaldo becomes in club decisions and whether he appears regularly at matches.

In the end, this move shows that Ronaldo’s ambition has not faded. Whether scoring goals or making business decisions, he continues to look for new challenges. Buying a share in Almería may seem like a quiet step compared to his dramatic moments on the pitch, but it could prove just as important for his long-term legacy. As his playing career moves closer to its final chapter, one thing is clear: Ronaldo’s influence on football is far from over.