Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr is once again up in the air. After back-to-back disappointments in the Saudi Pro League and falling short in 11 title pursuits since arriving in the Middle East, speculation is mounting over the Portuguese star’s next move. While Brazilian club Botafogo is reportedly preparing a bold offer to lure the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a surprising candidate has emerged from Spain: UD Almería.
The Segunda División side, currently fighting for promotion, is now owned by Mohamed Al-Khereiji — a businessman with strong ties to Ronaldo and a key figure in his original move to Saudi Arabia. According to reports from MARCA, Al-Khereiji’s relationship with Ronaldo is both personal and strategic. Now, he may be positioning Almería as a future investment and ownership opportunity for the veteran forward.
Ronaldo, who turns 40 next year, has expressed interest in a post-playing career in club ownership.
“If I have the chance to be an owner, why would I settle for being a director or CEO?” he previously stated. “It’s my dream, and I’m certain I’ll achieve it — not just owning one club, but several.”
While Almería is not among Europe’s elite, the project is ambitious. The club has had a turbulent decade, including stints under Middle Eastern ownership, and was relegated last season despite having one of the largest budgets in Spain’s second tier. As of now, they sit sixth with two games remaining, in playoff position for promotion to La Liga.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has history with Almería, too. During his time at Real Madrid, he played seven matches against the Andalusian side, scoring seven goals and adding five assists. One standout performance came in 2011, when he notched two goals and four assists in an 8–1 thrashing. Ironically, the club he once tormented could soon be tied to his next chapter — not as a player, but as an investor.
Although a contract renewal with Al-Nassr seemed likely not long ago, the disappointing results may have opened the door for a change of scenery. Botafogo and Almería now appear to be the leading options — one offering a short-term spotlight on the world stage, the other a longer-term project in Spanish football and a bridge into Ronaldo’s post-retirement ambitions.
As the end of the season nears, the world waits to see what path CR7 chooses — back to Spain, a Brazilian adventure, or one more ride in Saudi Arabia.
