Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a significant step into football management by becoming a co-owner of Spanish second division club Almeria, purchasing a 25% stake in the team.
The 41-year-old forward, currently with Al-Nassr, acquired his share through his newly established CR7 Sports Investments, which is invested in Almeria—a club owned by a Saudi Arabian investment group led by Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
Although the exact financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, Ronaldo expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the club’s leadership team “to support the next phase of the club’s growth.”
The Portuguese star remarked, “It has long been my desire to contribute to football beyond my playing career. UD Almeria is a club with robust foundations and clear potential for growth.”
President Al-Khereiji commented on Ronaldo’s involvement, stating, “[Ronaldo] is widely regarded as the greatest player ever, has a deep understanding of the Spanish leagues, and recognizes the potential of what we are building here—both in terms of the team and the academy.”
Last year, Al-Khereiji’s SMC Group purchased Almeria from Turki Al-Sheikh, who serves as the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA).
Ronaldo enjoyed a stellar nine-year career at Real Madrid, securing two La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies before transferring to Juventus in 2018. Since 2022, he has been playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he earns a record annual salary of £177 million.
Founded in 1989, Almeria is currently ranked third in Segunda Division, just two points behind leaders Real Racing, with 15 matches remaining in the season.
Expanding the Portfolio – Analysis
More than a decade ago, Cristiano Ronaldo was not yet ready to think about his life post-football.
Those close to him cautioned that he was on a treadmill, and if he didn’t build something sustainable, retirement could be difficult. He took their advice and turned to business as a way to maintain relevance while providing opportunities for his family, who had also paused their ambitions.
His first venture was symbolic; in 2016, he collaborated with a hotel group to launch a property in Madeira.
Since then, he has not only invested his earnings but also embraced the business process, from meetings to strategy.
While he still dreams of producing a Hollywood film, he finds similar joy in building companies, applying the same dedication he once applied to his athletic performance.
On the field, this obsession made him the most prolific goalscorer in history after turning 30, while off the field, it has laid the groundwork for a new career.
According to the 2025 Forbes ranking, Ronaldo generated nearly £210 million both on and off the pitch, with over £50 million stemming from his various business endeavors, highlighting a diverse portfolio.
His investment activities have grown through his lifestyle and investment companies, which include holdings in a water brand, a health app, recovery products, and ventures in underwear, fragrances, and footwear.
In addition to ownership stakes, he has forged high-profile partnerships and established gyms in Portugal and Spain, as well as launched a line of watches.
His portfolio continues to grow.
Ronaldo co-founded a group of hair transplant clinics now operating in Spain, Portugal, Oman, and Italy, with one notable client being his mother, Dolores Aveiro.
What began with that first hotel in Funchal has evolved into a joint venture launched in December 2015, initially valued at over £65 million, now boasting properties in locations like Lisbon, Madrid, New York, and Marrakech.
At the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in December 2024, Ronaldo mentioned that if he ever owned a club, he would know how to address structural flaws he observed in some of Europe’s top teams.
Now, with his 25% stake in Almeria—owned by Al-Khereiji, instrumental to his move to Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United—Ronaldo is poised to make a significant impact in the football world.
Though the treadmill was always going to slow down, he has successfully created something meaningful to replace it.