Full Breakdown
Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez Calls for Club Elections After Trophy-less Season
5/13/2026, 6:47:41 AM
Season Overview and Election Trigger
Real Madrid ended the 2025-26 season trophy-less, losing 2-0 to Barcelona in the Clasico that secured the Catalan side’s La Liga title. The club exited the Champions League at the quarter-finals to Bayern Munich, dismissed manager Xabi Alonso after seven months and appointed Alvaro Arbeloa. A training-ground clash between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni resulted in €500,000 fines each. Pérez, president since 2009 (and previously 2000-2006), was re-elected unopposed in January 2025 for a term ending 2029.
Election Mechanics and Eligibility
Real Madrid statutes require candidates to be Spanish nationals, hold at least 20 years of membership and own a €187 million share. Approximately 100,000 socios elect the board. Pérez announced the electoral committee will start the process, with the incumbent board standing as candidates.
Official Statements & Responses
At a Valdebebas press conference, Pérez announced he would not resign and explained that the decision to call elections was a response to what he described as an absurd situation created by a campaign targeting Real Madrid and his leadership. He said his health is perfect, dismissed rumors of terminal illness, pledged to defend the interests of the club’s members, and said the club is preparing a UEFA dossier on the Negreira case involving payments to José María Enríquez Negreira, which he called the biggest scandal in world football. He reminded the audience that the club has secured 66 titles under his tenure.
Criticism & Opposition
Pérez accused journalists of an “organized campaign,” labeling some as “bad journalists and non-journalists.” Fans have booed Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, voicing frustration over the club’s direction. Media noted Pérez’s confrontational tone and the lack of a clear election timetable, noting the €187 million share requirement may deter challengers.
Data & Statistics
- 66 total titles (37 football, 29 basketball) under Pérez.
- 7 Champions League and 7 La Liga trophies.
- Two consecutive seasons without a major trophy.
- €500,000 fines for Valverde and Tchouaméni.
- Approximately 100,000 voting socios.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source identified the “man with a South American accent” as businessman Enrique Riquelme; another gave no name. Election eligibility details (20-year membership, €187 million stake) appear in some reports but not others. No election date or electoral commission has been disclosed, leaving the timeline uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Good afternoon, I regret to inform you that I’m not going to resign.” — Florentino Pérez
- “I want to talk about all those who are campaigning behind the scenes.” — Florentino Pérez
- “I'm standing to defend the interests of Real Madrid's members.” — Florentino Pérez
- “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.” — Florentino Pérez
What’s Next
The electoral committee will set a date for the board election; any challenger must meet the statutory criteria. Pérez’s UEFA dossier on the Negreira case will be filed, potentially prompting further probes into referee-related corruption. The election outcome and UEFA review will shape Real Madrid’s governance and its role in Spanish football.
