'Long-held ambition of mine' - Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25% share in Spanish club Almeria
Published 26/02/2026 at 20:47 GMT
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Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25% share in Spanish club Almeria. The 41-year-old football icon said it was "a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch." Ronaldo's career is the stuff of folklore, with his first spell at Manchester United and then nine years at Real Madrid leading to unparalleled success. The Portuguese now plays his club football in Saudi Arabia.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has become the co-owner of Spanish second division side Almeria by acquiring a 25% share in the club.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, who now plays in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, bought his stake in Almeria through his CR7 Sports Investments company.
The club is majority owned by a Saudi Arabian investment consortium led by Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
Ronaldo, 41, called it "a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch," adding: "UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth."
President Al-Khereiji said: "[Ronaldo] is regarded as the greatest to ever play the game, he knows the Spanish leagues very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy."
And Almeria head coach Rubi was even more effusive with his words. "From our perspective, we're very happy," he said. "Of course, we welcome him. I think it's great news because someone like him, with his extensive knowledge of sport and football, can really help a club like ours.
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Cristiano Ronaldo
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"It's very exciting for the whole club, the city and the province. Everyone knows the good relationship Cristiano has with the owners. You find out things as they happen, but I don't think it's important when I found out or not. The important thing is that he's arrived here to join us. We're very happy."
The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Ronaldo will go down as one of the greatest players in football history, with his storied career already part of folklore.
During his first six-year spell at United, Ronaldo helped Sir Alex Ferguson's team to three successive Premier League titles and the European Cup in 2008.
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After that came a remarkable nine years at Real Madrid, during which time the Spanish giants won four European Cups, including three in a row.
Ronaldo has also played for Portugal for more than two decades and is set to play in his sixth World Cup this summer.
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