Cristiano Ronaldo’s immediate impact was felt at Almeria after a shock investment, as his brand power translates into immediate club profits

Christiano Ronaldo has done it again. This time, however, the impact does not come from a free kick, a towering header or a last-minute winner, but from an action in the boardroom. In just 24 hours, the Portuguese icon has already started to reshape Almeria’s trajectory after taking a 25% of the shares in the Spanish second divisionleading to what many are already calling the ‘GOAT effect’.

The announcement confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had completed the deal CR7 Sports Investmentsa subsidiary of CR7 SA, marks an important step in his growing business empire and demonstrates a clear vision that extends beyond his playing career. In a statement published on the club’s official website, the Andalusian side outlined the scale of the move.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25% stake in UD Almeria through CR7 Sports Investments, a subsidiary of CR7 SA, marking an important step in both the club’s international expansion and the Portuguese icon’s growing investment portfolio,” the club confirmed.

Club chairman Mohamed Al Khereiji welcomed Ronaldo’s arrival with visible enthusiasm: “We are very happy that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in,” he said. “He is considered the greatest player in history, knows Spanish football extremely well and understands the potential we are building, both in the first team and at Academy level.”

Ronaldo himself made it clear that this is not a symbolic gesture, but part of a broader ambition. “It has long been an ambition of mine to contribute to football beyond the field,” he declared. “UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear growth potential. I look forward to working with the leadership team to support the next phase of the club’s growth.”

The hidden impact revealed

While the financial terms of the deal are not being made public, the immediate impact is impossible to ignore. Within just one day of the announcement Almeria gained almost three million followers on Instagramwith the club’s account skyrocketing from around 10,000 to around 2.8 million followers in 24 hours.

The increase represents one of the most dramatic social media growth spikes ever recorded by a European second division side, a stark illustration of Ronaldo’s unparalleled global influence. The numbers also underline a powerful reality: Ronaldo’s brand transcends divisions, countries and even roles. Whether as a player for Al-Nassr or now as a stakeholder in Spain, his presence alone generates worldwide attention.

Club on the verge of promotion

The timing of the investment could be decisive. Almeria is currently sitting third in the Segunda Division with 48 points from 27 gamesjust two points behind leader Racing Santander. In Spain’s second tier, the top two teams secure automatic promotion to La Liga, while third through sixth places enter a play-off for the final promotion spot.

Founded in 1989, the club enjoyed six seasons in La Liga, most recently in the 2022/23 season. The historic highlight came in the 2010-2011 season with a semi-final of the Copa del Rey. With promotion within reach, Ronaldo’s arrival not only provides capital, but also global visibility and commercial influence at a critical time.