An intriguing development has emerged in the Saudi Pro League, where Cristiano RonaldoPlayer·Cristiano Ronaldo's off-field business ventures have inadvertently benefited a direct competitor of his club, Al-Nassr. Ronaldo's 25% stake in Spanish second-division side UD AlmeriaTeam·UD Almeria has facilitated a significant transfer that bolsters Al-IttihadTeam·Al-Ittihad, creating an unexpected twist in the league's competitive landscape.
In February 2026, Cristiano RonaldoPlayer·Cristiano Ronaldo, through his CR7 Sports Investments company, acquired a notable stake in UD AlmeriaTeam·UD Almeria. This strategic move was part of Ronaldo's broader ambition to contribute to football beyond his playing career, aiming to support Almeria's growth and development within the Spanish football pyramid.
Just months later, in August 2026, Almeria completed the transfer of Senegalese defensive midfielder Dion LopyPlayer·Dion Lopy to Al-IttihadTeam·Al-Ittihad. The fee for Lopy is reported to be between €13 million and €19 million, including potential bonuses, with the player signing a three-year contract. This acquisition marks Al-IttihadTeam·Al-Ittihad's first major foreign signing of the summer transfer window, signaling their intent to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
The unexpected nature of this transfer stems from Ronaldo's dual role: a part-owner of the selling club, Almeria, while simultaneously being the star player for Al-Nassr, a direct rival of the purchasing club, Al-IttihadTeam·Al-Ittihad, in the Saudi Pro League. This scenario has, according to reports, "raised eyebrows across the league," particularly as Al-IttihadTeam·Al-Ittihad moved swiftly to reinforce their midfield, while Al-Nassr was still awaiting its initial major summer signing.
The context of the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season further highlights the significance of this move. Al-Nassr concluded the season as champions, securing their 11th league title and their first since the 2018-19 campaign. They amassed 86 points from 34 games, finishing two points clear of Al-Hilal, and earned a coveted spot in the AFC Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League Elite. Ronaldo himself was the league's top scorer with 28 goals, underpinning Al-Nassr's dominant season, which included a 16-match winning run.
In contrast, Al-IttihadTeam·Al-Ittihad, who were the defending champions from the previous season, experienced a more turbulent 2025/26 campaign. They finished in 5th place with 55 points, securing a spot in the AFC Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League Elite preliminary rounds. Their season saw a managerial change in October 2025, with Laurent Blanc being replaced by Sérgio Conceição, following a period of winless games. Al-IttihadTeam·Al-Ittihad's journey also included reaching the King's CupCompetition·King's Cup semi-finals and the AFC Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League Elite quarter-finals.
As the new Saudi Pro League season approaches, the transfer of Dion LopyPlayer·Dion Lopy to Al-IttihadTeam·Al-Ittihad, facilitated by Ronaldo's investment in Almeria, adds an intriguing layer to the rivalry. It underscores the complex and interconnected nature of modern football, where business interests can create unforeseen dynamics on the pitch, even between direct competitors.
Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Al Nassr against UD Almeria in a friendly match. Credit: Samuel Carreno/IMAGO.
Samuel Carreno/IMAGOThis article was generated with the help of AI. Learn more.
