Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has responded to the club’s ongoing sporting crisis by calling for early board elections, while firmly rejecting resignation rumors. “I regret to say that I am not stepping down,” the 79-year-old said sarcastically during a specially convened press conference.
The long-time club leader denounced what he described as a campaign against him and the club. “They say I’m sick, that I have an incurable cancer. That’s all fabricated. I take this opportunity to tell those who worry about me: I continue to run the club and my company, which generates 50 billion annually. My health is perfect,” emphasized the construction magnate.
Real Madrid has failed to win a major trophy in the past two seasons, most recently having to congratulate arch-rivals Barcelona on their La Liga title at Camp Nou. “The historic club is in crisis not only due to poor results but also a series of scandals, which Spanish media describe as ‘unprecedented’.”
Reports from Madrid have increasingly detailed locker-room conflicts and fights, with a “war of egos” among stars Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and others. The situation has reportedly made the search for a successor to coach Álvaro Arbeloa more difficult than expected. However, it is widely believed that José Mourinho—currently at Benfica—will take over at Real again.
Pérez engaged in heated exchanges with journalists at the press conference, accusing the media of spreading lies and false statements. “They think they can intimidate me, but they give me even more energy than I already have,” he said. He dismissed criticism by citing Transfermarkt data: “According to Transfermarkt, we have the most valuable squad in the world. We have everything. Why do some media criticize us?” However, Real’s squad value (€1.34 billion) has seen its lead over second-placed Manchester City (€1.31 billion) shrink in recent market value updates.
Pérez confirmed he would stand for re-election with his entire board. He did not set a date for the vote. Spanish media interpreted the press conference as a declared vote of confidence. After two earlier terms between 2000 and 2006, Pérez has been in charge of Real Madrid continuously since 2009, during which the club has won seven Champions League titles.
