Beyond the Pitch: Cristiano Ronaldo Acquires 25% Stake in Saudi-Owned UD Almería

Cristiano Ronaldo officially enters club ownership with a stake in UD Almería. Explore his plans for the Spanish club and his partnership with Turki Alalshikh.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 8:06 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from OneFootball

A Strategic Move into Club Ownership

While his peers often move into coaching or punditry, Cristiano Ronaldo is taking a different path toward the business side of the sport. A consulting firm representing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner confirmed on Thursday, February 26, 2026, that Ronaldo has purchased a 25% stake in UD Almería. Currently competing in the Spanish Segunda División, Almería has been owned by Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, since 2019. The partnership marks a significant fusion of Ronaldo’s global brand with the Saudi-backed investment strategy currently reshaping modern football.

Building a Legacy Beyond the Pitch

The acquisition is described as a move to create an impact that extends far "beyond the pitch." According to a statement from the Brunswick Group, Ronaldo’s involvement will focus on enhancing the club’s international profile and revitalizing its youth academy infrastructure. For Ronaldo, who spent the prime of his career in Spain with Real Madrid, returning to the Spanish football ecosystem in an executive capacity represents a homecoming with a clear professional objective: to transform Almería into a consistent top-flight contender.

The Saudi Connection and Personal Relationships

The deal is a natural extension of the close relationship between Ronaldo and Alalshikh. Since Ronaldo’s historic move to Al-Nassr in early 2023, he has become the de facto face of Saudi Arabia’s sporting ambitions. Alalshikh has been a vocal supporter of the Portuguese star, frequently hosting him at high-profile boxing and entertainment events in Riyadh. By bringing Ronaldo into the ownership group of Almería, Alalshikh is leveraging the striker's elite mindset and professional standards to instill a winning culture within the Andalusian club.