Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez Proposes Bold Ownership Changes Amid Financial Challenges
Real Madrid is no stranger to making headlines, but this time, it’s not about a last-minute goal or a blockbuster signing. Instead, the club’s president, Florentino Pérez, has dropped a bombshell that could reshape the very foundation of the iconic institution. Speaking at the club’s annual assembly, Pérez announced plans to propose a “corporate reorganisation” aimed at protecting Real Madrid’s financial assets. This move could lead to a significant shift in the club’s ownership structure, and it’s already sparking heated debates among fans and analysts alike.
For context, Real Madrid is one of only four Spanish clubs—alongside Barcelona, Athletic Club, and Osasuna—that remain member-owned. These clubs were exempt from a 1990 law requiring others to become public limited companies. But now, Pérez believes that the current model may no longer be enough to safeguard the club’s independence and financial future.
Why Now? The LaLiga Dispute and Financial Pressures
In a 90-minute speech, Pérez didn’t hold back. He pointed to an ongoing dispute with LaLiga over the controversial CVC investment deal, which saw other clubs receive a total of €2 billion in exchange for future broadcast income. According to Pérez, this deal, along with the league’s collective TV rights negotiations, poses a threat to Real Madrid’s financial autonomy.
“We’re working on defending ourselves from attacks on our financial wealth,” Pérez declared. “Our club should have a structure which protects us as an institution. We’ll do everything necessary so that the club belongs to its members, so that nobody can take away our financial assets.”
While Pérez didn’t provide specific details about the proposed reorganisation, he promised transparency. “I’ll keep you informed,” he said. “We’ll have an assembly to explain it clearly. You’ll understand it perfectly.”
Ballon d’Or Snub Sparks Outrage
As if the ownership debate wasn’t enough, Pérez also used his platform to vent about the 2024 Ballon d’Or results. He criticized the decision not to award the prestigious honor to Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, calling it a glaring oversight.
“Rodri [Hernández] is a great player, he’s from Madrid, and he has our affection,” Pérez said. “He deserved a Ballon d’Or, but not this one. He deserved it the year before. This year, the Ballon d’Or should have gone to a Real Madrid player: Vinícius, or our captain Dani Carvajal, or even Jude Bellingham.”
Pérez didn’t mince words when addressing the voting process. “Some of [the voters] didn’t even include Vinícius in the top 10. Can anyone understand journalists not thinking Vinícius is one of the best in the world? Nobody knows who [the journalists] are. The Ballon d’Or should be independently organized, and it should be in the hands of people who are recognized.”
Super League Advocacy and UEFA Criticism
In true Florentino Pérez fashion, the Real Madrid president also took aim at UEFA and reiterated his support for the controversial Super League project. Comparing UEFA’s current system to the outdated Blockbuster video rental chain, Pérez argued for a Netflix-style revolution in European football.
“We don’t want to go down in history like Blockbuster,” he said. “We want to embrace new technology. There’s a real opportunity for a change of direction, to restore football’s greatness. This system doesn’t work. The moment is critical. It’s time to act.”
Concert Controversy at the Bernabéu
On a lighter note, Pérez addressed concerns over postponed concerts at the newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu stadium. After complaints from neighbors about noise levels, the club decided in September to halt all planned events. However, Pérez downplayed the financial impact of this decision.
“The organization of concerts isn’t especially lucrative for the club,” he explained. “We only rent out the stadium. The income is around 1% of our annual budget. But we understand this activity is important. It means that all the citizens of Madrid benefit [from the stadium]. We’re at the disposition of the local authorities.”
Key Takeaways from Pérez’s Speech
- Real Madrid is considering a “corporate reorganisation” to protect its financial assets and independence.
- Pérez criticized LaLiga’s CVC investment deal and collective TV rights negotiations.
- The Real Madrid president expressed outrage over Vinícius Júnior’s Ballon d’Or snub.
- He reiterated his support for the Super League and called for radical changes in European football.
- Postponed concerts at the Bernabéu have minimal financial impact on the club.
As Real Madrid navigates these turbulent waters, one thing is clear: Florentino Pérez is not afraid to shake things up. Whether his bold proposals will secure the club’s future or spark further controversy remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on the upcoming assembly, where the fate of this historic club could take a dramatic turn.
Originally Written by: Alex Kirkland
