A press briefing by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez escalated into a fierce dispute after the football leader criticised the media, made remarks deemed sexist, and accused longtime rival Barcelona of corruption. These statements ignited a political controversy.
During a rare interaction with the press, Florentino Pérez, one of Europe’s most influential figures, sparked a political uproar involving commentators, journalists, and progressive politicians who likened his tone to that of Donald Trump.
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In response to a disastrous campaign where Real Madrid missed the Champions League finals and lost the La Liga title to Barcelona, Pérez declared he would not resign. «I must say, I have no intention to step down,” he asserted.
He then revealed plans for club elections in which he confirmed his intention to run again. However, it was what followed that attracted the greatest focus.
Clearly upset, the 79-year-old confronted recent media reports on internal conflicts, including a dressing-room incident involving Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, both of whom were hospitalized and subsequently fined.
Pérez also engaged in a dispute with ABC journalist David Sánchez de Castro concerning the newspaper’s portrayal of Real Madrid. He announced the cancellation of his ABC subscription, stating: “My father was the one who subscribed me, and I am cancelling it in his memory.”
Sánchez de Castro was not the sole ABC journalist mentioned. Citing two recent pieces by the outlet on the club, Pérez remarked: “One was authored by a woman. I question whether she knows anything about football.”
He later pointed towards another journalist, commenting: “You there, young lady, ask a question. The rest of you are quite unattractive.”
Spain’s leading radio broadcaster, Cadena SER, condemned Pérez’s comments as “arrogant and sexist.”
ABC labelled these statements as “shameless attacks” aimed at “diverting attention from the club’s failures.” The journalist targeted by Pérez, María José Fuenteálamo, expressed surprise, noting she had merely written an opinion column.
Intentional strategy?
Several Spanish analysts suggested that Florentino Pérez lost perspective during the conference, with El Mundo likening his conduct to a “Trump-style performance.” Others interpreted it as a deliberate move to shift focus away from a second consecutive season without trophies.
This tactic might have backfired since Pérez’s accusations of corruption against Barcelona have led the Catalan club to consider legal measures.
Pérez called Barcelona’s alleged corruption “the biggest scandal in football history,” claiming that “seven league titles were stolen” from Real Madrid as a consequence, and announced he would submit a 500-page dossier to UEFA, the European football governing body.
While Spanish media mostly emphasized his accusations, some also pointed out his omissions. MARCA, Spain’s traditionally largest sports outlet, remarked that Pérez avoided addressing the club’s internal crisis.
MARCA described the press conference as “confusing” and “chaotic,” highlighting the absence of any self-critical remarks from the president.
Real Madrid ranks among the most accomplished clubs in contemporary football, holding the record for the most Champions League titles won by any European team. It is internationally acknowledged as a global football brand. Pérez is the club’s longest-serving president.