13th May 2026
May 13 – In an emotional press conference, Florentino Perez confirmed that he wants another term as Real Madrid president and blamed the media for his problems.
At 79, Perez, a construction magnate, is serving his seventh term (as part of two different stints) as chairman of the world’s most famous club. But his age, disappointing results and the recent training ground fight between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni have led to unprecedented pressure on his leadership. He accused his detractors and the media of “organized campaign” to oust him.
“I want to talk about all those I believe are behind this campaign … some people are moving in the shadows to run for elections. Well, let them run. This is the opportunity I am giving them.
“I made this decision because of this absurd situation of campaigns against the interests of Real Madrid and especially against me. The results haven’t been the greatest, but that has happened other times before. But they are taking advantage to attack me.”
“Some journalists and people want to destroy Real Madrid,” said Perez. “I’ll always defend the interest of the Madrid members.”
During the press conference, the Madrid president wanted to emphasize that he is still in control, but often came across as unfocussed and harrassed.
He argued with reporters in the room, but largely refused to discuss sporting matters and dodged the question over the expected return of Jose Mourinho to manage the club.
At the weekend, Madrid lost to FC Barcelona in the Classico with the Catalan giants claiming back-t0-back league titles under manager Hansi Flick. Madrid have not won a prize in the last two seasons.
“I share the frustration that this year we haven’t been able to win anything,” explained the Madrid chairman. “I am the first to want to win everything. Let me remind you that, under my presidency, we have won 66 titles in soccer and basketball: 37 in soccer and 29 in basketball.”
He also dismissed rumors over his health. “They said I have cancer and that it was terminal,” said Perez. “It was the most undignified thing that has ever happened to me. They said I didn’t go out, that I couldn’t walk.”
He added: “I want to assure those who are concerned about me that I continue to preside over Real Madrid and my company every single day.”
Perez’s tirade didn’t end there. He also lashed out at an article written by a female journalist, questioning her understanding of the game. He then singled out one of the few women in the room and said: “Let’s ask her, because you men are all ugly.”
He took aim at other perceived enemies as well. He wants to take a dossier to European governing body Uefa about rival Barcelona and its payments of millions of euros to a company owned by José María Enríquez Negreira, the former vice president of the domestic refereeing committee.
“Three years ago, we learned about a corruption case known as the Negreira Case,” Pérez said. “There are no precedents in the history of world football. It is the biggest scandal in history and a case that remains unresolved and ongoing.
“We are compiling an important dossier that we will immediately present to UEFA so they can address it at its root and resolve it for the good of world football.”
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