Fans of UD Almeria may soon find out. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has reportedly acquired a 25% stake in the Spanish club, alongside Saudi business partners who control the remaining shares. While Ronaldo has yet to publicly outline his long-term plans, his involvement immediately raises an interesting question: can one of football’s greatest players become a successful club owner?
For now, Cristiano Ronaldo remains focused on his playing career, but the idea of him taking a more active role in football management or ownership seems increasingly realistic. His global profile, business experience and deep understanding of the sport make him a fascinating figure in the evolving landscape of modern football ownership.
A growing trend among former players
Ronaldo would not be the first high-profile footballer to step into ownership. Former teammate Sergio Ramos is reportedly part of a group exploring a potential takeover of Sevilla FC, where he could take responsibility for football operations.
Elsewhere, former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has already built a reputation as a football entrepreneur. After purchasing FC Andorra in 2018, he helped guide the club through several promotions, demonstrating how former players can transition into leadership roles within the sport.
Another example is David Beckham, whose project with Inter Miami CF has become one of the most successful football startups in recent years. Beckham’s involvement helped attract global sponsors and world-class players, transforming the club into one of the most valuable franchises in North American soccer.
Active players also entering club ownership
Interestingly, ownership is no longer limited to retired players. Several active stars are already investing in clubs.
Kylian Mbappe reportedly holds a majority stake in SM Caen, while Ngolo Kante owns Royal Excelsior Virton in Belgium. Even Luka Modric has invested in Swansea City, showing that modern players are increasingly thinking about life in football beyond their playing careers.
With the enormous wealth generated by the modern game, more players now have the financial resources to invest in clubs they once competed against or represented.
Not every ownership story succeeds
However, football ownership is far from guaranteed success. Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario experienced mixed results during his time as majority shareholder of Real Valladolid. Although the project had moments of progress, it was also marked by criticism from supporters before he eventually sold his stake.
Similarly, the famous takeover of Salford City FC by former Manchester United players generated excitement but later evolved into a more traditional ownership model after outside investors became involved.
Meanwhile, a different model has emerged in Wales, where Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney transformed Wrexham AFC into a global phenomenon through smart storytelling and strong community engagement.
Could Ronaldo create something similar?
If Ronaldo becomes actively involved at Almeria, the club could instantly benefit from his global brand. His enormous social media following and commercial appeal would likely attract sponsors and international attention.
But visibility alone is not enough to build a successful football project. As clubs increasingly operate under strict financial rules, sustainable revenue streams and careful sporting planning are just as important as star power.
That is why Ronaldo’s potential success would depend not only on his reputation, but also on the team of executives and sporting experts around him.
Football knowledge meets business ambition
The idea of former players running clubs is not new. One of the most famous examples in Spanish football history is Santiago Bernabeu, the legendary figure who helped shape Real Madrid both on and off the pitch.
As football becomes more commercial and global, clubs must balance business decisions with a deep understanding of the sport itself. Former players, with their experience and credibility, can potentially offer both.
MZ view
Football clubs run purely as financial assets often struggle to connect with supporters. When former players become owners, they bring a level of emotional investment and football knowledge that traditional investors sometimes lack. If Cristiano Ronaldo eventually takes a hands-on role in football ownership, it could be one of the most interesting experiments in modern club management.