Florentino Perez faces a turbulent final year as Real Madrid president, tasked with resolving stadium debt, player contract disputes, and a controversial overhaul of the club’s ownership structure.
Real Madrid President Florentino Perez enters 2026 facing a perfect storm of sporting and institutional challenges that could define his lasting legacy.
As he reportedly nears the end of his tenure, the 78-year-old must navigate the fallout of sacking Carlo Ancelotti and the subsequent hiring of Xabi Alonso.
Central to his concerns is the contractual future of Vinicius Jr., whom Perez considers “non-negotiable” despite a disconnect with the current management’s tactical stance.
Beyond the pitch, Perez is embroiled in a high-stakes battle over the €2 billion renovation of the Santiago Bernabeu.
The club’s strategy to transform the stadium into a year-round event hub is facing fierce resistance from local residents, threatening the economic model that justified the massive expenditure.
Solving the “Bernabeu question” is now viewed as essential for maintaining the club’s financial stability and Perez’s personal credibility as he enters this pivotal period.
The president also intends to pursue a controversial shift in the club’s ownership structure by introducing external investors, a move likely to polarize the socios.
This adds to the existing pressure of managing the hierarchy between superstars Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius.
With institutional divides deepening and sporting results under scrutiny, 2026 is set to be the most difficult and transformative year of Perez’s storied presidency.