What could Cristiano Ronaldo dream of more after an incredible career? Maybe winning the World Cup with Portugal, reaching 1,000 career goals, or even owning a club.
While waiting for the first two dreams to come true, the Portuguese champion has already fulfilled another objective by joining UD Almería through the purchase of 25% of the shares of the Spanish club that currently plays in the Second Division and is fighting for a return to the elite.
“Almeria is a club with strong foundations and clear growth potential,” CR7 introduced himself to the young fans, aiming to continue the club’s ambitious project led by president Mohamed Al Khereiji, who bought the club in 2019, becoming owner and president. Under his leadership, Almeria invested in players and infrastructure, even achieving promotion to La Liga.
Last May, Al Khereiji sold his shares to a group of Saudi investors led by SMC Group, while continuing to be involved in global sports projects, including investments in boxing such as the purchase of the historic magazine The Ring.
It is a long-term project aimed above all at returning Almeria to the elite of Spanish football. The team, managed by Cesc Rubi, is fully in line for the objective: a 4-2-3-1 base, quality, youth and experience thanks to former AC Milan player Rodrigo Ely, as well as Leo Baptistao and Federico Bonini, a centre-back born in 2001 acquired from US Catanzaro.
Among Almeria’s strengths are Adrian Embarba and Sergio Arribas, the latter the top scorer in the Segunda with 14 goals. This combination has taken the “Cowboys” to third place with 48 points, just two points behind leaders Racing Santander.
What if Cristiano Ronaldo ended his career at Almeria? It’s not just a fantasy. Coach Rubi himself spoke about it in the press conference before the match against Albacete Balompie.
“It’s a question you have to ask him, but it would be something extraordinary. This is his club now. And if he wanted to continue playing, any coach would welcome him with open arms.”
At 41 years old, nothing is impossible — especially when it comes to CR7.
Mbappe, Pique and Ronaldo: when footballers become investors
One of the most common questions for footballers is what they will do after retirement. Some choose other sectors, while others decide to stay in football by investing in clubs.
In 2024, Kylian Mbappe, through the Coalition Capital fund, bought a majority stake in Stade Malherbe Caen. Meanwhile, Ronaldo Nazario bought 51% of Real Valladolid in 2018, becoming president.
Gerard Pique is the president of FC Andorra, while N’Golo Kante owns Royal Excelsior Virton, a Belgian second division club. The trend is growing and many football legends are expected to take on bigger and bigger roles behind the scenes.
From Real Madrid to Al Nassr: When CR7 faced Almeria
Throughout his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has faced many opponents, including Almeria during his time at Real Madrid. A twist of fate? Perhaps — especially since the Spanish club was one of CR7’s favorite “victims.”
The Portuguese played seven matches against Almeria in the championship, scoring the same number of goals.
Another interesting detail: last summer Al Nassr faced Almeria in a friendly. The result? Ronaldo’s usual brace wasn’t enough to avoid a 3-2 defeat. The protagonists in that match were Arribas and Embarba, who scored.
In short, the paths of Almeria and CR7 seem to have been destined to cross.