Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25% ownership stake in second division Spanish club UD Almeria.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Ronaldo said the investment through his CR7 Sports Investments company is part of his long-term goals following his playing career.
“I have long had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo said in a statement.
“UD Almeria is a Spanish club with a strong foundation and clear growth potential. I wish to work with the team leading the club to support it in its new phase of growth.”
Ronaldo, 41, signed an extension with Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League last summer that runs through June 2027. He is also expected to captain Portugal during this summer’s World Cup.
UD Almeria was taken over by the Saudi Investment group SMC Group last year led by Mohamed al Khereiji, who serves as club president.
“We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen to invest in our club,” Al Khereiji said. “He is regarded as th greatest to ever play the game, he knows Spanish football very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy.””
UD Almeria is currently third in the second tier table as it battles to gain promotion.
–Field Level Media
