Florentino Perez, the long-serving president of Real Madrid, held a tense press conference in which he clashed with journalists and announced his intention to hold elections following a season without any major trophies.
The 79-year-old insisted he will run for re-election, accusing his critics of waging an “organized campaign” against his leadership. He challenged them to face him openly instead of operating in secrecy. “I’m here to say I’m not going anywhere, and I’m here to stand for election,” Perez said. “If someone wants to run, this is your chance. But don’t hide in the shadows with your publications and news outlets. I’m not sick or lying in bed. As Real Madrid president, I cannot allow journalists to do what they do.”
His comments came after Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday, securing back-to-back La Liga titles with three games remaining. Perez defended his record, reminding the room of 37 trophies won during his tenure and demanding that those leaking negative stories to the Spanish press step forward. “I work hard. I’m up early and the last to go to bed. I understand there’s frustration, but we’ve won 37 titles since I’ve been in charge. I want to know who is saying these things. If there are leaks from the board of directors, I want those people to come out.”
Perez also lashed out at La Liga, calling it “the enemy” and accusing the league of systematic corruption. He expressed confidence in his re-election, claiming the support of the club’s 100,000 members. “I lead the biggest club in the world. You wouldn’t imagine the praise I get. The members are behind me and very happy.”
If re-elected, Perez is expected to work with Jose Mourinho, currently managing Benfica, who is reportedly set to return to the club he coached from 2010 to 2013. Perez declined to comment on the managerial position when asked. He had sacked Xabi Alonso in January and his replacement, Alvaro Arbeloa, is unlikely to stay.
Real Madrid will finish the season without a major trophy for the second consecutive year, having only won the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Intercontinental Trophy in 2024-25. They were eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Fan unrest has marred the campaign, with protests targeting Kylian Mbappe’s perceived lack of effort. Additionally, midfielder Federico Valverde was hospitalized last month after a dressing-room altercation with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni.
Barcelona responded to Perez’s press conference with a statement, saying their “legal department is carefully studying his statements and accusations” and “the next steps to follow are being evaluated.”
**Analysis**
This was far from an ordinary press conference at Real Madrid’s training ground. Journalists were summoned at short notice, sparking speculation that a new manager would be announced. But instead of a routine announcement, Perez delivered a lengthy, emotional tirade targeting the press, La Liga, and narratives about himself and the club.
As he entered with his phone in hand and papers laid out, Perez launched into an impassioned speech. At several points, he read excerpts from critical articles, naming specific newspapers. Journalists in the room pushed back, leading to confrontational exchanges. For nearly 90 minutes, Perez spoke with visible anger and intensity—less a press conference and more an unfiltered outburst.
His message was clear: he remains firmly in control. He is not “sick” or “tired,” and he claims to be in perfect health. The tension escalated when he referenced an article written by a female journalist, questioning her understanding of football. He then pointed to a woman in the room with her hand up, saying, “Let’s ask her, because you men are all ugly.”
After two years without major success, questions about Perez’s future will grow louder as news of the election spreads. He projects absolute confidence, calling himself “the greatest president” in the club’s history. But with three managers, no silverware, and growing discontent, the Spanish press will keep asking: Have the members seen enough? Is it time for change? And most importantly, is Florentino Perez still the right man to lead Real Madrid?
