Real Madrid president Perez insists he's staying after trophyless season 2026

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez calls for elections after a season without major trophies and faces pressure over his leadership.

Fiery press conference erupts Real Madrid president Florentino Perez held a heated press conference where he clashed with journalists and announced his intention to stand for re-election following a season with no major trophies. Perez strongly denied suggestions about his health or ability to continue, stating he would remain in charge. He accused critics of operating in secrecy and urged them to openly challenge him in an election instead. The 79-year-old emphasized his commitment, declaring, 'I'm here to say I'm not going anywhere and I'm here to stand for election.' ## Barcelona's Clasico victory intensifies scrutiny The announcement followed Barcelona’s victory over Real Madrid in the Clasico at Camp Nou, securing back-to-back La Liga titles with three matches remaining. Perez’s leadership has faced growing skepticism, fueled partly by anonymous reports questioning his energy and fitness for the role. He forcefully rejected these claims during the press conference, demanding transparency from those spreading such narratives. 'I work hard. I'm up early and I'm the last to go to bed,' he stated, while also highlighting Real Madrid’s 37 titles under his leadership since 2009. ## Criticism targets La Liga and internal leaks Perez extended his criticism beyond the media, targeting La Liga itself for what he described as a corrupt and systematic issue within the league. He accused the organization of undermining Real Madrid’s success and integrity. Additionally, he called out leaks within the club’s board, demanding those responsible to come forward. 'In these board of directors, I want whoever who is leaking this to come out,' he declared, emphasizing his frustration with insider dissent. Perez also expressed unwavering confidence in his re-election, asserting that 100,000 members fully support his leadership. ## Managerial uncertainty looms large Speculation about the club’s next head coach dominated discussions, with reports indicating Jose Mourinho is in final talks to return to Real Madrid, a role he previously held from 2010 to 2013. Perez avoided addressing questions about the managerial position during the press conference. The club’s recent managerial changes have been turbulent, including the sacking of Xabi Alonso in January after his appointment, while Alvaro Arbeloa is unlikely to be retained. Real Madrid’s lack of major trophies for a second consecutive season has amplified concerns over the club’s direction. ## Trophyless season deepens fan frustrations Real Madrid’s 2025-26 campaign ended without a major trophy, with only the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Trophy won in the previous season. The team exited the Champions League in the quarter-finals after a loss to Bayern Munich, while fan unrest grew over perceived lack of effort from star forward Kylian Mbappe. The unrest was compounded by a dressing room altercation between midfielder Federico Valverde and teammate Aurelien Tchouameni, which led to Valverde being hospitalized last month. ## Unprecedented media confrontation unfolds The press conference itself was described as unusual, with journalists called in on short notice and speculation initially pointing toward a managerial announcement. Instead, Perez delivered a lengthy and impassioned speech, directly challenging specific media outlets and journalists by name. He read aloud excerpts from critical articles and engaged in heated exchanges with reporters present. At one point, Perez referenced an article by a female journalist, questioning her football knowledge, before directing a comment toward a woman in the room, saying, 'Let's ask her, because you men are all ugly.' ## Future of Perez’s presidency now in question Following two years without major success and multiple managerial changes, doubts about Perez’s future have grown louder. Despite his insistence on retaining the backing of Real Madrid’s members and describing himself as 'the greatest president' in the club’s history, questions persist about whether the members have seen enough. Perez projects absolute confidence in his re-election, but the lack of silverware and internal unrest has intensified scrutiny over his continued leadership.