Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football superstar, has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Spanish club UD Almería, the club announced on Thursday, marking a major step in the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner’s move into football ownership beyond his playing career.

The agreement was confirmed by UD Almería — a club currently competing in Spain’s second division — which said Ronaldo completed the investment through CR7 Sports Investments, a subsidiary of his business holding CR7 S.A. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, but the development has drawn widespread attention in football circles.

In a statement Ronaldo said the move reflected his long‑held ambition to contribute to football off the pitch. “UD Almería is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth,” he said, adding that he looks forward to working with the club’s leadership to support its next phase of development and expansion.

The club is owned by a Saudi Arabian investment group led by president Mohamed Al‑Khereiji, which took control of Almería in 2025. Al‑Khereiji welcomed Ronaldo’s involvement noting that his experience in top‑level football and knowledge of the Spanish league will be valuable as the club pursues its sporting and commercial objectives.

UD Almería are currently in third place in Spain’s second division, pushing for promotion back to La Liga after relegation from the top flight at the end of the 2023‑24 season. Ronaldo, who is currently playing for Al‑Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, said he wants his investment to help boost the club’s competitiveness and strengthen its academy and youth programmes.

The move places Ronaldo among a small group of elite players who have taken ownership stakes in professional clubs while still active in their playing careers, and it comes as part of his wider strategy to expand his brand and influence in global football.