Portugal soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, of Al Nassr, has become the owner of a Spanish professional soccer club.
The BBC and others in the United Kingdom said on the 26th (local time) that Ronaldo acquired 25% equity in UD Almería, a team in Spain's second division, becoming a co-owner.
Ronaldo bought Almería club equity through the recently established "CR7 Sports Investment." Financial details were not disclosed.
The Almería club was acquired by a Saudi investment group in May last year.
Through a statement, Ronaldo said he looks forward to working with the management to support the next stage of the club's growth.
He also said, "Contributing to soccer off the field has been an ambition I have held for a long time."
He described Almería as "a Spanish club with a solid foundation and clear growth potential."
Founded in 1989, Almería was relegated after finishing 19th out of 20 teams in Spain's first division (La Liga) in the 2023-2024 season, and is currently third among 22 teams in the second division this season.
With 15 matches left, the club is continuing its push for promotion to the first division, two points behind leader Racing Santander.