In a strategic move reflecting his future vision after retiring from football, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo , captain of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr club, has decided to return to Spanish soil, but this time not as a player running on grass, but as an investor and decision-maker in administrative offices.
Details of Ronaldo's acquisition of Almeria shares
CR7 Sports Investments, the new investment arm of the Portuguese star's group, has completed the acquisition of a 25% stake in Almería . This investment comes at a crucial time for the Andalusian club, which currently sits third in the Spanish second division, just two points behind the leaders with 15 decisive rounds remaining. The financial and moral support that Ronaldo brings will be a significant factor in their fight for promotion to La Liga.
The exact financial value of the deal was not disclosed, but the official statement described it as a “strategic investment” aimed at strengthening Ronaldo’s commitment to sports club ownership and development in the long term.
The legend returns to Spain: historical context and expected impact
This move represents an emotional and commercial return for Ronaldo to Spain, the country where he enjoyed the most successful period of his career with Real Madrid, winning domestic and European titles and cementing his place as one of the greatest goalscorers in history. The return of "CR7" to Almería provides the club with a massive international media and marketing boost, given the immense popularity of the 41-year-old player.
This investment is expected to contribute to:
- Boosting the club's brand: Linking Almeria's name to the CR7 brand will attract global sponsors and unprecedented public interest.
- Administrative and technical support: Ronaldo's long experience in European stadiums will be an important reference for the club's management in developing the football sector and age groups.
- Financial stability: The entry of an investor of Ronaldo's stature strengthens the club's financial solvency and helps it attract high-quality players to compete at the highest levels.
Strong partnership with the current administration
This deal didn't come out of nowhere; it's the result of a close relationship between Ronaldo and the club's president, Mohammed Al-Khuraiji , who played a key role in the Portuguese star's move to the Saudi league. Al-Khuraiji expressed his delight at the partnership, saying, "We are very happy that Cristiano chose to invest in our club because he knows the Spanish league well and understands the potential of the project we are building."
For his part, Ronaldo commented on the move, saying: “I have always had ambitions to contribute to football off the field. Almeria is a Spanish club with a strong foundation and clear potential for growth.”.
Ronaldo's future in the world of finance and business
This move confirms what Ronaldo previously stated at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in December 2024, regarding his desire to own a football club and work on addressing the structural problems within clubs. With this acquisition, Ronaldo follows in the footsteps of other legends like David Beckham and Ronaldo Nazario, establishing a new era that will ensure his continued influence in the world of football even after he hangs up his boots.
