Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially entered the world of football ownership. The 41-year-old icon has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Spanish side UD Almeria, marking his first major move toward life after retirement.
The investment, completed via CR7 Sports Investments, comes just a year after Almeria was taken over by a Saudi investment consortium. While Ronaldo continues to break records for Al-Nassr, this move signals the beginning of a new chapter for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Beyond the Pitch”: Ronaldo’s Almeria Vision
In an official statement, Ronaldo expressed his excitement about joining the Spanish second-tier club:
“It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football beyond the pitch. UD Almeria has strong foundations and clear potential. I look forward to supporting the club’s next phase of growth.”
The Man Utd “Hint”: Could CR7 Buy the Red Devils?
The timing of this investment has reignited speculation about Ronaldo’s ultimate goal: owning Manchester United. Despite the recent INEOS minority takeover led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s long-term ownership remains a hot topic. Ronaldo has previously been vocal about United’s struggles, suggesting at the 2024 Dubai Globe Soccer Awards that the problems go deeper than the manager.
“If I will be the owner of the club, I will make things clear and adjust things that are bad there,” Ronaldo famously stated. By cutting his teeth as a part-owner in Spain, many believe he is building the portfolio necessary to lead a future consortium for the Premier League giants.
Retirement Update: “One or Two Years”
While he is now a club owner, the “CR7” brand isn’t leaving the pitch just yet. Currently under contract with Al-Nassr until June 2027, Ronaldo clarified his retirement plans:
- The Timeline: “What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”
- The Form: He remains the Saudi Pro League’s top marksman and is set to lead Portugal at this summer’s World Cup.
The Verdict: A New Power Player in Football
Whether it’s a stepping stone to Old Trafford or a standalone project in Spain, Ronaldo’s move into the boardroom changes the landscape of football ownership. With his global reach and winning mentality, UD Almeria might just be the start of a “CR7 Empire” that eventually rivals the biggest owners in the game.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
