Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has officially called for club elections and confirmed he will run for another term, vowing not to step down despite a challenging season that saw Los Blancos finish without a major trophy.
The 79-year-old made the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday, pushing back against what he described as an "absurd campaign" targeting the club. "I've made this decision because an absurd situation has been created to generate a tide of opinion against the interests of Real Madrid," Perez stated. "I've been here 26 years and it's been a wonderful time."
This season has been particularly tough for Madrid fans. Barcelona's 2-0 victory in El Clásico at Camp Nou secured back-to-back La Liga titles for the Catalan giants with three games to spare, while Madrid's Champions League hopes ended in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. It marks the second consecutive year without a major trophy for the club—a drought that has sparked frustration among supporters and raised questions about the team's direction.
Current head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January, is unlikely to remain at the helm next season. Rumors are swirling about a potential return for former Madrid boss José Mourinho, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the club's future.
Off the pitch, tensions have been running high. Fans have protested against star player Kylian Mbappé over perceived lack of commitment, while reports of training ground incidents—including one that sent midfielder Fede Valverde to the hospital—have painted a picture of a club in turmoil.
Perez, however, remains defiant. "I want to put an end to this anti-Madrid current that wants to destroy Real Madrid," he declared. "I'm standing for re-election to return the club's assets to its members. If anyone wants to run, they shouldn't just pretend—let them run, but let them say what they're going to do, how they're going to finance everything."
He also defended the club's legacy, adding: "They say out there that Real Madrid is a problem case, but it's the most prestigious club in the world." While acknowledging the frustration shared by fans over the trophy drought, Perez's message was clear: he believes he is the man to lead Madrid back to glory. The upcoming election will determine whether the members agree.