Florentino Pérez, the most influential figure in modern Real Madrid history, has decided to step down from the presidency next year, well before his mandate expires in 2028. The move marks a rare moment of transition for a club long shaped by his vision, his ambition, and his unmistakable imprint on global football.
Sources close to the club say Pérez wants the handover handled with care and clarity. His intention is for the transition to unfold in an orderly, transparent way, regardless of whether members approve the referendum tied to future club reforms. For him, the stability of Real Madrid — both institutionally and competitively — outweighs the symbolism of finishing his term.
Pérez, now in his second long-running era at the helm, has overseen a transformation that reaches far beyond the pitch. The club’s financial model, its global reach, the Santiago Bernabéu redevelopment, and the steady pursuit of footballing dominance all carry his unmistakable signature. From Galácticos to multi-Champions League triumphs, he built a project that has defined an era.
But after years of driving Real Madrid’s direction with relentless energy, Pérez is said to believe the time has come to guide the club toward a new chapter. The aim is to allow his successor the chance to settle in before major long-term decisions begin to crystallize — decisions related to squad planning, commercial strategy, and the continued expansion of Madrid’s global footprint.
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The question now turns to succession. Real Madrid’s presidency is not simply an administrative role; it requires a figure who can balance tradition with innovation, ambition with stability, and financial prudence with the demands of world-class football. Whoever follows Pérez will inherit an institution in strong form, yet one that faces the constant pressure to remain at the summit of the sport.
Pérez’s decision signals not an abrupt exit but a carefully staged transition — one he hopes will protect the continuity of the club he has led with singular authority. For Real Madrid supporters, the year ahead will mark the end of a defining presidency and the beginning of a search for the next steward of the club’s future.
