Cristiano Ronaldo buys large stake in football club

Ronaldo is entering a new stage in his football career

The 41-year-old former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward has won everything in the game as a player, albeit except for a World Cup trophy. A situation he hopes will change at the 2026 tournament.

Now playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo looks all set to embark on a new career journey, as the minority owner at a football club.

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As reported on Thursday by Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo has purchased a 25% stake in the Spanish Segunda División side Almeria.

Speaking after the announcement, the player said: "It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch.

“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.”

Although a clear connection between Ronaldo and Almeria was not previously understood, the move makes sense considering the fact that the Andalusian side are currently owned by a Saudi investment group and Ronaldo still plays his football in the Middle Eastern nation.

Almeria are placed 3rd in the Spanish second tier and so will be hoping to achieve promotion back to La Liga next season.

Following the news of his involvement at Almeria, it now remains to be seen what scale of role Ronaldo opts to take up with the club, during his tenure as a shareholder.

Despite facing regular questions about retirement over the past few years, the 5-time Champions League winner is still under contract at Al-Nassr until 2027.

His move with Almeria is more likely an indication that Ronaldo is thinking ahead to life beyond retirement, rather than a clue he is ready to hang up his boots imminently.