Cristiano Ronaldo appears ready to take a significant leap in his off-the-pitch ventures, as he is now rumored to be joining the ownership group of Spanish football club UD Almeria. This marks another chapter in the Portuguese superstar’s expanding business empire, which increasingly sees him engaging in ventures beyond his illustrious football career.
According to reports from Marca, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is being linked with an ownership stake in Almeria following the club’s acquisition by the Saudi Arabian investment giant, SMC Group. Thе grоuр is lеd by іnfluеntіаl businessman Mоhаmеd Al-Khеrеіjі, a key figure in Sаudі Arаbіа’ѕ grоwіng іnvоlvеmеnt іn glоbаl sports and mеdіа.
Ronaldo, сurrеntlу рlуіng his trade аt Al Nаѕѕr in thе Sаudі Pro Lеаguе, іѕ said tо hаvе developed a ѕtrоng реrѕоnаl аnd рrоfеѕѕіоnаl relationship wіth Al-Khereiji. Thіѕ соnnесtіоn rероrtеdlу рlауеd a pivotal rоlе іn facilitating Rоnаldо’ѕ high-profile mоvе to Sаudі Arabia іn Dесеmbеr 2022—а mоvе thаt not only brоught hіm tо Al Nаѕѕr but also hеlреd boost the vіѕіbіlіtу and рrеѕtіgе оf the Sаudі Pro League оn thе wоrld stage.
This close bond is now believed to be opening doors for Ronaldo to join the structure of SMC Group’s ownership, further intertwining his post-playing career ambitions with Saudi Arabia’s aggressive sports investment projects.
A New Chapter in Cristiano Ronaldo Expanding Business Empire
While renowned globally for his exploits on the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo has long been equally ambitious in his business pursuits. Over the years, he has cultivated a diverse investment portfolio spanning industries such as hospitality, fashion, technology, fitness, and lifestyle branding.
His CR7 brand has become a global icon, encompassing products such as CR7 Underwear, CR7 Footwear, CR7 Fragrances, as well as health and wellness ventures like the ERAKULIS fitness app and the URSU premium water brand. Each of these projects highlights Ronaldo’s strategic approach to leveraging his personal brand into sustainable business ventures.
Should the ownership discussions materialize. Entering football club ownership would mark a bold and strategic evolution of Ronaldo’s post-playing career endeavors. This would place him alongside a growing number of footballing legends. Who have transitioned into club ownership or high-level executive roles within the sport.
SMC Group’s Ambitious Vision in Football and Beyond
SMC Group is rapidly emerging as a heavyweight in the spheres of sports, media, and entertainment. The group holds significant influence in Saudi Arabia’s media landscape. Managing advertising rights for state-owned television channels and overseeing key sporting venues, including Al Nassr’s home ground, Al-Awwal Park.
Moreover, SMC Group has been closely linked to Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034. Underscoring its ambition to elevate the country’s global sporting profile. Bу роtеntіаllу bringing Crіѕtіаnо Ronaldo into thе Almeria оwnеrѕhір fold. Thе grоuр соuld ѕіgnіfісаntlу bolster Almеrіа’ѕ glоbаl соmmеrсіаl appeal, whіlе аlѕо rеіnfоrсіng Saudi Arаbіа’ѕ wider sports diplomacy strategy.
A Strategic Move for Almeria’s Future?
As of now, neither SMC Group nor Cristiano Ronaldo has issued an official statement confirming these reports. However, sources close to the matter suggest that the possibility of Ronaldo becoming one of the shareholders at UD Almeria is under serious consideration.
Ronaldo’s involvement would not only amplify the media spotlight on the club but also inject substantial commercial value. Providing Almeria with increased marketing leverage at a critical time. The club is currently striving to regain its footing and secure a return to La Liga after battling relegation challenges.
For Ronaldo, this move could also serve as an early foray into football club ownership. Offering valuable experience while expanding his influence within the sport from a business and executive standpoint.
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