The entry of players into the ownership of football clubs has become a recent trend in European football. Cristiano Ronaldo joined this movement with the acquisition of 25% of Spain’s Almería. These are seven players who have invested in football clubs.

Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25% of Almería

In February 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo acquired 25% of the share capital of UD Almería, joining the Saudi group that controls the Spanish club. The investment was made through one of his companies linked to the CR7 brand, strengthening the Portuguese star’s connection to football beyond his playing career. The exact value of the deal was not disclosed, but it marked the formal entry of the Portuguese international into club ownership.

Ronaldo said he wants to contribute to Almería’s institutional and sporting growth, highlighting the potential of the club and its youth development. The club, which has received foreign investment in recent years, sees Ronaldo’s arrival as a way to increase its international visibility. His 25% stake does not give him full control, but it guarantees influence in strategic decisions.

Vinícius Júnior owns around 80% of Alverca

In 2025, Vinícius Júnior led a group of investors that acquired around 70% to 80% of the SAD of FC Alverca, a Portuguese club located near Lisbon. The deal reportedly cost around €8 million and allowed the Brazilian forward to become the majority shareholder. It was one of the first major investments by an active player in Portuguese football.

The player explained that he sees Alverca as a project focused on developing young talent and as an opportunity to invest in European football. The new ownership structure aims to strengthen the academy and improve the club’s infrastructure. The medium-term goal is to establish the team in Portugal’s professional competitions.

Piqué wants Andorra in La Liga

In 2018, Gerard Piqué bought the majority of FC Andorra through his company Kosmos Holding. The initial investment was relatively modest but was quickly followed by further financial injections to professionalize the club. Since then, the project has focused on climbing the Spanish football league system.

Piqué has repeatedly said that his ambition is to bring Andorra to the highest level of Spanish football. The former Barcelona defender views the club as a long-term sporting and business project. The strategy includes investing in youth development, modernizing infrastructure, and consolidating the club’s presence in professional leagues.

Mbappé leads Caen

In 2024, Kylian Mbappé became the main shareholder of SM Caen after acquiring around 80% of the French club. The deal was valued at approximately €15 million and represented one of the biggest club acquisitions by an active player. Caen traditionally moves between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.

Mbappé explained that he chose the club due to his personal connection with the region and its history of youth development. The aim of the investment is to strengthen the club’s structure and bring Caen back to the French top division. The new leadership also wants to promote young players and improve the team’s competitiveness.

Jamie Vardy owns Rochester New York

In 2021, Jamie Vardy became the owner of Rochester New York FC, a club that competes in the United States. The English striker took control of the team through his company V9 Academy, which focuses on developing football talent. The investment represented a bet on the growth of football in North America.

Vardy said he wants to help develop young players and increase the club’s competitiveness. The link with the V9 Academy creates connections between European and American football. The project also includes improving facilities and raising the team’s international profile.

Luka Modrić is a shareholder of Swansea

Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić became a minority shareholder in Swansea City after joining a group of investors connected to the Welsh club. The stake does not give him direct control but allows him to be involved in the club’s strategic project. Swansea currently competes in the English professional leagues.

Modrić explained that he has always been interested in sports development projects and sees the club as an opportunity for sustainable growth. The new ownership aims to strengthen the team and bring it closer to returning to the Premier League. The investment also boosts the club’s international profile.

Fàbregas has a stake in Como

In 2022, Cesc Fàbregas joined Como 1907 as a player and simultaneously acquired a minority stake in the Italian club. The project is led by foreign investors who aim to revitalize the team and bring it back to the top level of Italian football. The Spanish midfielder’s arrival increased the club’s international visibility.

Fàbregas said he wanted to be directly involved in the institutional growth of Como. In addition to playing, he also took on a strategic role within the club’s structure. The ambition of the project is to establish Como in professional competitions and invest in developing new talent.