Union Deportiva Almeria currently ranks 3rd in Spain's second division, La Liga 2. In an announcement on 26/2, Ronaldo revealed the acquisition was made through CR7 Sports Investments, a new subsidiary of the CR7 SA group, where the 41-year-old forward manages his personal business and investment activities.

"For a long time, I have harbored the ambition to contribute to football in aspects beyond the pitch", the statement read. "UD Almeria is a Spanish club with a solid foundation and clear development potential. I look forward to working with the management to support the team in its new growth phase."

Ronaldo celebrates a goal for Al Nassr. *Photo: AFP*

While the financial details of this strategic investment were not disclosed, Ronaldo's representatives affirmed a long-term commitment to his ambition of owning professional clubs.

Spanish newspaper Marca views this investment as a significant milestone for Ronaldo in his role as an entrepreneur and investor. The deal also marks the forward's return to Spanish football, this time in a boardroom capacity, following his tenure as a Real Madrid player from 2009-2018.

Ronaldo has long expressed his desire to become a football club owner. In 12/2024, at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, the Al Nassr forward stated that if he were to become an owner one day, he would directly address the structural issues prevalent in some major European clubs.

The possibility of Ronaldo joining Almeria's ownership ranks was mentioned by Marca a few months ago, following the acquisition of the Andalusian club by Saudi investment group SMC Group. Almeria will soon issue an official announcement, and Ronaldo will participate in the management structure, rather than solely being an investor.

Ronaldo shares a close relationship with Almeria President Mohamed al Khereiji, who played a key role in bringing him to Al Nassr after his high-profile departure from Man Utd in late 2022. This relationship has now advanced further as both parties will jointly manage the southern Spanish club.

In a separate statement, Al Khereiji warmly welcomed the 1985-born superstar's decision to invest in his club. "Ronaldo has always been regarded as the best on the pitch, is intimately familiar with Spanish leagues, and understands the potential of what we are building here, from the first team to the youth academy system", the Saudi businessman stated.

Founded on 26/7/1989 as Almeria Club de Futbol, the team was renamed Union Deportiva Almeria in 2001 after merging with Polideportivo Almeria to create a unified sports project for the city. Their home ground is UD Almeria Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 17,400 seats, built in 2004.

Despite a relatively short history compared to many other Spanish teams, Almeria has been promoted to La Liga multiple times and had impressive seasons, such as finishing 8th in La Liga 2007-2008 under coach Unai Emery.

By Ha Phuong.