Florentino Pérez: “Mienten, el Real Madrid será siempre de sus socios. Sus propuestas lo llevarán a la ruina”
By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport
The Real Madrid presidential election, set for Sunday, June 7, 2026, has become a battleground for competing visions of the club’s future. Florentino Pérez, the long-serving president, has emerged as a central figure in the campaign, vowing to protect the club’s legacy and fend off what he calls “populist” threats. In a recent interview, Pérez emphasized his lifelong commitment to the Madridista cause, dismissing critics and outlining a roadmap for the club’s continued dominance.
The Man Who Built a Dynasty
Pérez’s journey with Real Madrid began at age four, when his father took him to matches in a Madrid that felt “like another country.” “I lived on Hortaleza Street and walked to games, arriving covered in street dust,” he recalled. “My father, an avid fan, introduced me to the ‘veneno’ of Madridismo.” This early immersion shaped a career that has spanned 26 years, with Pérez serving as president from 2000-2006 and returning in 2009.
“I’ve always believed in the club’s potential,” Pérez said. “When I first arrived, the Real Madrid was in ruins. Now, we’re the richest club in the world, with the best squad and a global fanbase of 700 million on social media.” He credited his vision with transforming the club from a “football of entrances” to a “global business,” citing figures like Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé as proof of his strategy.
The Battle for the Soul of the Club
As the election looms, Pérez has accused opponents of seeking to “destabilize” the club. “There’s a movement of people who don’t want Real Madrid,” he said. “They want to take over the club, to make it theirs.” He specifically criticized proposals to drastically increase membership, warning that “adding 100,000 new members would destabilize the club.”
“The Real Madrid is the property of its members,” Pérez asserted. “When I took over, the club was in debt. I risked my own patrimony to save it. Now, I’ll fight to ensure its economic and sentimental patrimony remains with the members.” He emphasized that the club’s legacy should be passed down through generations, not diluted by “populist” policies.
Technology, Tradition, and the Future
Pérez’s vision for the future blends tradition with innovation. He spoke of transforming the club’s Ciudad Deportiva into a “Silicon Valley” for sports technology, while also preserving the club’s heritage. “The Bernabéu will be the ‘infinity stadium,'” he said. “With new tech, fans will experience matches as if they’re on the pitch with the players.”
He also addressed the ongoing “Negreira case,” alleging systemic corruption in Spanish football. “LaLiga and the Spanish Federation are complicit,” Pérez claimed. “We’ll present a dossier in 15 days detailing the scandal. The FIFA and UEFA must act, as they’re the only honest institutions left.”
The Pressure of Legacy
Despite his confidence, Pérez acknowledged the challenges facing the club. “Last year, we didn’t win, but this year’s Club World Cup disrupted our pre-season, leading to 28 first-team injuries,” he admitted. Yet he remained defiant: “No one doubts my track record. I’ve brought the world’s best players, and I’ll continue to do so.”
Looking ahead, Pérez emphasized his commitment to stability. “I want to leave the club in a position where it can thrive beyond me,” he said. “The Madridista spirit is in our blood. If we protect it, the club will endure for centuries.”
What’s Next?
The election on June 7 will determine the club’s direction. Pérez’s opponents, including José María Álvarez, have criticized his policies, but the former president remains unshaken. “I’ve dedicated my life to this club,” Pérez concluded. “I’ll fight until my last breath to ensure it remains a symbol of Madridismo.”
As the world watches, one thing is clear: the battle for Real Madrid’s soul is far from over.
