Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25% stake in club after Man Utd ownership comments

Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25 per cent stake in a second-tier club, with the Portugal captain having previously said he could improve Manchester United as an owner

Cristiano Ronaldo has made his debut venture into football ownership by purchasing a 25% share in Spanish side Almeria.

Ronaldo, 41, continues to find the net for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and will return to the grandest stage this summer at the World Cup. However, the Portugal captain is already making preparations for life after retirement.

On Thursday, it was confirmed that Ronaldo has become a part-owner of Almeria, who compete in Spain’s second tier. The acquisition has been completed via CR7 Sports Investments, a year following Almeria’s takeover by a Saudi investment consortium. In a statement, Ronaldo announced: “It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch.

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“UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of growth.”

His investment might mark the beginning of a journey that could eventually lead him to owning Manchester United itself. Ronaldo’s former club has undergone ownership changes over the past two years, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS securing a minority shareholding and assuming control of the club’s football operations.

Speaking at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in 2024, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner discussed United’s woes and suggested that he could sort out their issues by taking ownership of the club. “The problem of Manchester United is the same,” Ronaldo explained.

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“The problem is not always the coach. It’s much more than that. If I will be the owner of the club, I will make things clear and adjust things that are bad there.”

Ronaldo has admitted that hanging up his boots isn’t too far off, despite being tied to Al-Nassr until June 2027. In November, the striker clarified what he meant by saying that he’ll call it quits ‘soon’.

“I’m really enjoying the moment right now,” Ronaldo began. “As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick.

“I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”