Messi and Ronaldo Invest in Spanish Football Clubs, Says Tebas
Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are channeling their wealth into Spanish clubs. La Liga President Javier Tebas has confirmed their respective investments in the country's football pyramid.
Global football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are making significant financial moves within the Spanish football ecosystem, according to statements confirmed by La Liga President Javier Tebas. The two legendary players, who famously defined an era of modern football, are now directing portions of their substantial career earnings into acquiring stakes in different tiers of Spanish clubs, highlighting a new chapter of involvement in the sport beyond their playing days.
Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, has officially secured a major stake in the Spanish football landscape. According to the confirmed details, Ronaldo purchased 25 percent of the shares in UD Almeria, a club currently competing in the second division of Spanish football. This strategic acquisition places a substantial portion of the club under the ownership of the Portuguese superstar, further cementing his long-standing ties to the nation where he achieved legendary status.
Meanwhile, 39-year-old Lionel Messi has also taken a definitive step into club ownership within the region. Messi has reportedly taken ownership of Cornella, a Barcelona-based club that currently competes in the fifth division of Spanish football. This acquisition adds a local grassroots dimension to the Argentine star's investments, operating close to the city where he spent the vast majority of his formative professional career.
The historical rivalry and shared dominance of the two players previously defined the pinnacle of Spanish football. Between 2009 and 2018, Messi played for Barcelona while Ronaldo represented Real Madrid, during which time they became the only two players in history to score more than 900 career goals and collectively accumulated an astonishing 81 trophies. Messi's remarkable chapter at Barcelona notably spanned 17 years before his eventual departure from the Catalan giants.
Addressing the investments, La Liga President Javier Tebas expressed immense pride in having these global sporting figures contribute to the nation's football framework. Tebas acknowledged Ronaldo's 25 percent ownership of UD Almeria directly, noting that it is a great honor for Spanish football that the two best players in the world from recent years are investing a portion of their savings to help the sport grow larger. Regarding Messi's reported involvement, Tebas remarked that he learned about the Cornella acquisition through the media, noting that whether Messi bought the club directly or through a group is still something he does not personally know for certain.
