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Pérez Confronts Fans, Blames Barcelona for Referee Corruption

5/15/2026

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Summary

Pérez Confronts Fans

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez confronted supporters at the Bernabéu during the 2-0 La Liga win over Real Oviedo, where fans displayed “go now” banners and booed Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé.
Security staff removed the banners after Pérez, who announced presidential elections two days earlier at Valdebebas, accused Barcelona of paying referees for two decades.
He said the clubs’ relationship was “completely broken.”

Summary

Mourinho Signs

José Mourinho has agreed in principle to a three-year contract as Real Madrid’s manager.
Florentino Pérez said Madrid may pursue Erling Haaland, though he is contracted to Manchester City until 2034 and will not be sold.
Pérez called Kylian Mbappé the club’s best player, praised his Golden Boot, described Vinícius Júnior as a player in the last two Champions League wins, and said there is no rush to renew his contract.

History

Historical Context

After Florentino Pérez seized Real Madrid’s presidency in 2000 and launched the first Galáctico era—selling the Ciudad Deportiva for €480 million and buying stars like Figo for a €62 million record—he revived the policy on his 2009 return, signing Kaká and Ronaldo. The club now repeats that model, sparking fan unrest over Vinícius Júnior and 2024 free-transfer signing Kylian Mbappé, while a Mourinho return is mooted.

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Pérez Confronts Fans

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez confronted supporters at the Bernabéu during the 2-0 La Liga win over Real Oviedo, where fans displayed “go now” banners and booed Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé.
Security staff removed the banners after Pérez, who announced presidential elections two days earlier at Valdebebas, accused Barcelona of paying referees for two decades.
He said the clubs’ relationship was “completely broken.”

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