Cristiano Ronaldo becomes co-owner of Spanish football club as statement issued

Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a statement after becoming a co-owner of a football club in Spain.

Though he was recently at odds with the running of the club and went on strike, Ronaldo is still plying his trade at Al Nassr at the age of 41 and scored in the 5-0 win of Al Najma on Wednesday night.

But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is also in the news for making a significant football investment.

Ronaldo recently made a $7.5m investment in HBL Pro2col Software LLC, a tech firm linked to his long-time sponsor Herbalife.

His business empire also includes investments in Whoop, Perplexity AI and Bioniq but Ronaldo has now made a huge splash in football by purchasing a 25 per cent stake in Union Deportiva Almeria through his CR7 Sports Investments company.

The Andalusian outfit currently play in Spain's second division and are third in the table with 48 points from 27 games.

Ronaldo has purchased a 25 per cent stake. Image: Getty

Said to be valued at around £85 million according to City AM, Almeria's majority shareholders are SMC Group, a Saudi Arabian firm headed up by president Mohamed Al Khereiji.

In May, Al Khereiji bought the club from Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and co-founder of Zuffa Boxing.

“It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch," Ronaldo said on his purchase.

“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.”

The exact value of Ronaldo's stake has not been disclosed but the move is deemed to be a long-term strategic investment from Real Madrid's record goalscorer.

Al Khereiji has expressed his delight over one of the greatest players of all time becoming a partner, commenting: "We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in. He is considered the best on the pitch.

“He knows the Spanish leagues very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy."

Ronaldo still has a contract until 2027. Image: Getty

Ronaldo played seven times against Almeria during his time at Real, scoring seven goals in as many appearances. He also featured in a friendly fixture with Al Nassr in the summer, losing 3-2.

The Portugal superstar still has a contract with Al Nassr until 2027 and has bagged 22 goals in 25 games this season.