Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25% stake in Spanish second division club Almería

Guardian Sport

by AFP

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Cristiano Ronaldo has made another significant move in his expanding portfolio of sports investments by acquiring a 25% stake in UD Almería, a Spanish second-division football club owned by the Saudi Arabia-based investment firm, Al Nahda Holding Group. This strategic investment marks Ronaldo’s growing interest in professional football ownership and aligns with his long-term vision for influencing the sport beyond his playing career. The deal was announced through CR7 Sports Investments, Ronaldo’s new holding company, which emphasized his commitment to shaping the future of football. While financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, this move follows Ronaldo’s previous investment in Al-Nassr, a Saudi Arabian club where he currently plays. His involvement with Almería is expected to bring attention and resources to the club, potentially aiding its progression in Spanish football. Given Almería’s current position in the second division, Ronaldo’s influence could play a pivotal role in the club’s future trajectory. Ronaldo’s decision to invest in UD Almería highlights his ambition to establish himself as a key player in football ownership and management. By acquiring stakes in multiple clubs across different countries, Ronaldo is positioning himself at the forefront of sports business innovation. This trend reflects a growing shift among elite athletes towards diversifying their income streams through strategic investments in sports ventures. The acquisition also underscores the rising influence of Saudi Arabia in global football. With Almería already under Saudi ownership and Ronaldo’s involvement in both Al-Nassr and UD Almería, it appears that the kingdom is leveraging its financial power to shape football dynamics on an international scale. This could pave the way for more collaborations between elite players and wealthy investors, further blurring the lines between sports performance and business strategy

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/26/2026