According to information revealed this Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo holds a 25% ownership stake in the football club Almería. This development marks a significant step for the Portuguese star, who has ventured into club proprietorship while his illustrious playing career remains ongoing. Notably, R7’s contract with Al Nassr extends until June 2027, underscoring his current status as an active professional athlete.
Regulatory Framework Governing Player-Owners in Spanish Football
In Spain, a strict legal framework governs the intersection of active footballers and club ownership. The anti-Piqué law, enacted by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), explicitly forbids commercial relationships between players and competitions. This prohibition is enshrined within the Sports Law of the Higher Sports Council (CSD) and codified in the RFEF statutes effective from February 2025.
These regulations raise pertinent questions regarding the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining Almería as a player in the future. Despite holding equity in the club, the current legal statutes impose a clear ban on active players engaging in commercial ties with teams participating in LaLiga, effectively limiting scenarios where a player-owner could simultaneously compete on the field.
Such provisions aim to maintain the integrity and transparency of Spanish football competitions, preventing conflicts of interest that might arise from dual roles within the sport. Therefore, even though Ronaldo’s stake in Almería positions him within the club’s ownership structure, the existing regulatory environment constrains his ability to transfer and play for the club while still under professional contract elsewhere.