Portuguese football Icon Cristiano Ronaldo has expanded his footprint in the sport’s business side by acquiring a 25% stake in Spanish club UD Almería, marking a significant step toward his long-stated ambition of owning multiple football teams after retirement. The investment underscores the growing trend of elite athletes leveraging their global brands into long-term sports-ownership ventures.

The stake has been purchased through CR7 Sports Investments, a newly created arm of Ronaldo’s holding company CR7 SA, according to an official statement. While the financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, the move positions Ronaldo as a key minority investor in the Spanish side, which currently competes near the top of Spain’s second division.

UD Almería is controlled by Saudi entrepreneur Mohamed Al Khereiji, and Ronaldo’s entry is expected to strengthen the club’s international profile and commercial appeal. Industry observers say the partnership could open new sponsorship and branding opportunities, particularly in markets where Ronaldo commands massive fan engagement.

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The 41-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al Nassr, has repeatedly expressed interest in building a football ownership portfolio once his playing career winds down. His latest investment aligns with a broader pattern of current and former stars seeking equity stakes in clubs to remain influential in the sport beyond their on-field careers.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Ronaldo’s net worth stands at approximately $1.4 billion, making him the first billionaire footballer. Although he operates multiple ventures under the CR7 brand — including hospitality, fitness, and media businesses — the bulk of his wealth continues to stem from his playing contracts and endorsement deals accumulated across his illustrious career.

Market analysts note that Ronaldo’s move into club ownership reflects football’s evolving financial landscape, where brand power and global reach are increasingly valuable assets. If his current trajectory continues, the Portuguese superstar could emerge as one of the most influential player-turned-owners in world football over the coming decade.

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