Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25 per cent stake in a club as he prepares for life after football

Cristiano Ronaldo has embarked on his journey into football ownership by purchasing a 25 per cent share in Spanish side Almeria. The 41-year-old continues to score prolifically for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is set to return to the global spotlight this summer at the World Cup.

However, the Portugal skipper is already preparing 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 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.”

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His investment might represent the initial move toward eventually owning Manchester United. Ronaldo’s former club have undergone a shift in ownership over the past two years, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS securing a minority shareholding and assuming responsibility for the club’s football operations.

Speaking at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in 2024, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner discussed United’s difficulties and suggested he could resolve their issues by becoming their owner. “The problem of Manchester United is the same,” Ronaldo explained.

“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 retirement isn’t far off, though he remains under contract at Al-Nassr until June 2027. In November, the striker explained what he meant by saying that he’ll retire ‘soon’.

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“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.”