Florentino Pérez Defends Record at Real Madrid, Insists He Has “Not Gained Any Money” From Club

 Florentino Pérez Defends Record at Real Madrid, Insists He Has “Not Gained Any Money” From Club

Florentino Pérez has strongly defended his long-standing leadership of Real Madrid, insisting that he has never personally profited from his role at the club.

The veteran football executive made the striking declaration amid ongoing debates surrounding finances in modern football, club ownership models, and the growing commercial power of Europe’s elite teams.

“I have not gained any money from Real Madrid,” Pérez said. “Not any.”

The statement has quickly generated reactions across the football world, with many supporters praising the president for his commitment to the Spanish giants, while critics continue to question some of the club’s financial and political strategies during his tenure.

Pérez, who first became president of Real Madrid in 2000 before returning for a second spell in 2009, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern football administration. Under his leadership, the club has enjoyed enormous sporting and commercial success, winning multiple UEFA Champions League titles and consistently remaining among the richest clubs in the world.

His comments appear aimed at reinforcing the idea that Real Madrid operates differently from many elite clubs owned by billionaires, private investment groups, or state-backed entities. Real Madrid remains member-owned, meaning the club technically belongs to its socios rather than a private individual or corporation.

Throughout his presidency, Pérez has often argued that his focus has always been on protecting the institution and preserving its long-term competitiveness. He has repeatedly described Real Madrid as “the biggest club in the world” and insisted that every major decision has been taken with the club’s future in mind.

The construction and redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium has become one of the defining projects of Pérez’s recent presidency. The renovation, which transformed the historic ground into a modern entertainment venue capable of hosting concerts and global events, has been viewed as a major financial gamble but also as a long-term investment intended to secure the club’s future revenues.

Supporters of Pérez point to the club’s sustained dominance during his reign as evidence of successful management. Since his return in 2009, Real Madrid have won numerous domestic and international trophies, including several Champions League crowns that further strengthened the club’s global reputation.

During Pérez’s leadership, legendary players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, and Sergio Ramos became symbols of an era of dominance in European football.

However, his tenure has not been free from controversy.

Pérez was one of the driving forces behind the failed European Super League project in 2021, a proposal that sparked outrage among fans, football governing bodies, and domestic leagues. The competition was designed to create a breakaway elite tournament featuring Europe’s top clubs, but fierce backlash forced most participating teams to withdraw within days.

Despite the criticism, Pérez has continued to defend the idea, arguing that football must adapt financially to compete with changing entertainment markets and rising economic pressures.

His latest comments may also be interpreted as a response to wider scrutiny surrounding football executives and club finances. In an era where ownership structures and executive compensation are increasingly examined, Pérez appears keen to present himself as a custodian rather than a businessman seeking personal enrichment.

Many Real Madrid fans on social media reacted positively to the statement, praising the president for dedicating years of service to the club. Others highlighted how Pérez has helped transform Real Madrid into a commercial powerhouse while still maintaining the institution’s member-owned identity.

Critics, however, argue that financial gain in football is not always limited to direct salary or personal payments. Some observers continue to debate the broader influence and business relationships that powerful football executives can build through their positions at elite clubs.

Still, there is little doubt about Pérez’s impact on football history.

Under his guidance, Real Madrid evolved into one of the most globally recognizable sporting institutions, combining sporting excellence with aggressive commercial growth. His “Galácticos” strategy — signing the world’s biggest stars — changed football marketing forever and influenced how elite clubs approached branding and global expansion.

As Real Madrid continue competing for major trophies and preparing for a new generation led by stars such as Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé, Pérez remains central to the club’s identity and future direction.

Whether admired or criticized, the Real Madrid president continues to be one of the most powerful voices in world football — and his latest declaration has once again placed him at the center of global football discussion.