CRISTIANO RONALDO has become a co-owner of Spanish second-division club UD Almería after acquiring a 25 per cent stake.
The 41-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al-Nassr, made the investment through his newly established CR7 Sports Investments vehicle. Almería are owned by a Saudi investment consortium led by Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
Last year, Al-Khereiji’s SMC Group completed the acquisition of the club from Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.
Founded in 1989, Almería currently sit third in the Segunda División, two points behind leaders Real Racing, with 15 matches remaining in the season.
Al-Khereiji said, “We’re very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our Club to invest in. He is considered the greatest player in history, knows Spanish football extremely well and understands the potential we are building both in the first team and at Academy level.”
Ronaldo added, “For a long time, my ambition has been to contribute to football beyond the pitch. UD Almería have strong foundations and clear growth potential. I look forward to working with the leadership team to support the Club’s next phase.”