Florentino Pérez Calls for Surprise Real Madrid Elections, Defiantly Denies Health Rumors
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Spanish capital, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez called for fresh club elections on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, while emphatically denying rumors that he is suffering from a terminal illness.
The 79-year-old president convened a hastily arranged press conference at the Ciudad Real Madrid following a meeting of the Board of Directors. The timing of the appearance sparked immediate speculation that Pérez might announce his resignation from a position he has held since June 2009. Instead, Pérez opened his remarks with a blunt rejection of those expectations.
“I’m sorry to tell you that I’m not going to resign,” Pérez told the assembled media, according to reports from the New York Times. Rather than stepping aside, he has requested that the electoral board initiate the process for new elections, confirming that he and the current board intend to stand for reelection.
A ‘Campaign’ of Misinformation
Pérez characterized the current climate surrounding the club as an “absurd situation,” claiming he is the target of coordinated campaigns designed to generate negative public opinion. While he acknowledged that the team has recently faced results that “were not the best,” he argued that critics are exploiting sporting dips to launch personal attacks.
The most serious of these allegations involved his health. For some time, rumors have circulated that the president is battling terminal cancer. Pérez dismissed these claims as fabrications, insisting he is in “perfect health.”
To support his claim, Pérez pointed to his dual role as the leader of both the world’s most prestigious football club and a global infrastructure giant. He noted that his company employs 170,000 people and generates €50 billion in annual turnover, arguing that it would be impossible to manage both entities without peak physical health.
“If they tell me I have a cancer, I’d have to go to an oncological centre for them to look at me,” Pérez said, questioning why such a significant development would not have been reported worldwide if it were true.
Defending the ‘Socios’ Model
The decision to call for elections—despite having been re-elected unopposed in 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025—appears to be a strategic move to reaffirm his mandate. Pérez emphasized that Real Madrid is distinct from many other global clubs because it is owned by its members, the socios, rather than a single billionaire or investment group.
“Since the year 2000, I have worked to ensure that the owners of Real Madrid are its members,” Pérez stated via an official Real Madrid club announcement. He challenged potential rivals to stop “moving in the shadows” and instead stand openly against him in a democratic process.
For those unfamiliar with the club’s structure, the socio system is a cornerstone of Spanish football tradition. It means the president must be elected by the registered members, creating a unique accountability loop that differs from the private ownership models seen in the English Premier League or the MLS.
A Legacy of Control
Pérez’s grip on Real Madrid is nearly unparalleled in modern sports. His first stint as president ran from 2000 to 2006, characterized by the “Galácticos” era of signing global superstars. Since returning in 2009, he has overseen a period of unprecedented European success and a massive commercial expansion of the club’s brand.
Despite the current turmoil and the “campaign” he describes, Pérez remains defiant. He suggested that the criticism he is facing actually provides him with “enormous energy” to continue leading the club.
Key Takeaways: The Pérez Press Conference
- No Resignation: Florentino Pérez explicitly stated he will not step down.
- Fresh Elections: The president has asked the electoral board to begin the process for new club elections.
- Health Denial: Pérez denied rumors of terminal cancer, citing his active management of a €50 billion infrastructure company as proof of his health.
- Political Stance: He claims a smear campaign is being used to attack him personally following inconsistent sporting results.
- Member Focus: He reaffirmed that the club belongs to its 100,000 members, not a single owner.
The club now awaits the official timeline from the electoral board regarding the nomination period and the date of the vote. While Pérez has historically run unopposed, the current atmosphere of instability suggests a more contested race could be on the horizon.
Next Checkpoint: The Real Madrid electoral board is expected to release the official calendar for the upcoming elections in the coming days.
Do you think a change in leadership is necessary for Real Madrid to return to its peak, or is Pérez the only person capable of managing the club’s scale? Let us know in the comments.
