Real Madrid president Florentino Perez held a press conference on Wednesday, delivering a fiery response to his detractors and announcing a push for new club elections.
“I will not resign. I am demanding that the club hold new elections,” Perez said. “There is a campaign against me. But I am still here, I remain the president. Claims that I have cancer are completely fabricated. This is a targeted campaign. I am calling for elections because Real Madrid belongs to its members. I work like an animal, day and night, for this club.”
Perez, who was reelected in 2025, has been at the helm since 2009. His latest outburst comes as Real Madrid face a second consecutive trophyless season, with recent weeks marred by turmoil. The team lost the Clásico to Barcelona, handing the Catalan club the La Liga title, and reports emerged of a heated altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni during training, further tarnishing the club’s image.
In his defense, Perez cited market valuations from Transfermarkt, pointing to the squad’s high price tag. “We have the most valuable squad according to Transfermarkt. We have everything. So why are some media outlets still criticizing us?” he said.
Indeed, Real Madrid currently boast the most expensive squad globally, valued at €1.34 billion. Kylian Mbappé leads at €200 million, followed by Vinícius Jr. (€150 million), Jude Bellingham (€140 million), and Federico Valverde (€120 million). However, upcoming updates to Transfermarkt data may see some valuations drop based on recent performances, leaving the club’s top spot uncertain.
Meanwhile, speculation persists about José Mourinho potentially returning to the coaching bench next season, though no official confirmation has been made.
