Real Madrid and the endless greatness of the Florentino Perez era

In modern football, there will be many options for the number one name as coach or player, depending on each person’s own views and feelings. But when it comes to club presidents, if Florentino Perez is ranked number 2, it is difficult for anyone to dare to accept him and sit in the front seat.

Originally a construction engineer, Perez became Chairman of ACS Construction Group in 1997 and Real Madrid.
President of two periods of a great empire…

Perez first showed the world his boldness but full of integrity when he won the election in 2000, against then-incumbent President Lorenzo Sanz. He succeeded by promising in public that he would bring Luis Figo to the Santiago Bernabeu. Figo was the captain at that time, the contemporary symbol of Barcelona – a long-time enemy of Real Madrid. Most music enthusiasts think that it is an impossible idea, but Perez proves the opposite. Night trips and agreements between “gentlemen” that only insiders can fully understand helped Perez achieve his goal.

He won the election with a shocking 55% support. Seriously sitting in the Chairman’s chair, Perez immediately showed everyone that he was a man of his word. Figo returned to Real with a 6-year contract worth $56 million. Perez’s career is associated with unbelievable things. From an engineer who just graduated 1 year from school to the position of General Director of the Road Association, to the President of a football team who bought the captain of his rival.

During his first period as President, Perez brought the Real Madrid brand to prominence around the world by creating the concept of “Galaticos” – Milky Way. “Stars” are added to that galaxy through each transfer period. Superstars Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo de Lima, David Beckham, and Owen were brought in one after another. In addition to polishing the brand, the above blockbusters also helped Real Madrid win 2 La Liga and 1 Champions League. Perez ended his first reign after 6 years in office when he announced his resignation on February 27, 2006, stating that the club needed a new direction.

President Florentino Perez sets the milestone of 100 million euros for a player with the record contract of Gareth Bale from TottenhamBy 2009, he returned to the head seat of Los Blancos. And what Perez and his team have achieved between then and now is truly unbelievable. He brought in Gareth Bale, setting a milestone of 100 million euros for a player in the transfer market and helping Real’s demanding fans fulfill their dream of La Decima – the 10th C1/Champions League championship. The next half decade was the days of dominating the old continent with 3 consecutive European championships from 2016-2018 under the guidance of coach Zinedine Zidane, an unprecedented feat…

Time to overcome difficulties…

And when everything has reached its peak, the decline is inevitable. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Zidane left in the summer of 2018, leaving many doubts about the club’s future. In addition to professional issues, a large number of Royal football fans also turned their backs on the above two people, especially the CR7 brand. But for Perez, no one is irreplaceable, only Real Madrid’s achievements are the most important. Then, with his wisdom, “godfather” Perez continued to bring glory to the club.

Three years after CR7 left, Real only won one more major championship, La Liga in the 2019-20 season. By the summer of 2021, when Zidane once again left the coaching position, President Perez made another wise decision. Among many options for the coaching position, Perez invited back Carlo Ancelotti – a person whose time seemed to have expired when he had to accept going to England to work at Everton. But class is forever, returning to a team with the same caliber as his talent, Ancelotti immediately did not disappoint boss Perez. The first season was the 14th Champions League championship with a series of emotional matches. No more CR7, no problem. Benzema suddenly became the biggest star and even won the Golden Ball. Young talents like Vini Jr, Rodrygo, and Fede Valverde have grown tremendously in Ancelotti’s hands. While aging heroes like Toni Kroos, Luka Modric or Nacho Fernandez still have their value. Ancelotti’s talent for using people and his ability to win people’s hearts is transcendent, but it must still be covered by the intelligence as well as the excellent level of “picking up” everything of “godfather” Perez.

The 36th La Liga championship is proof of Real Madrid’s lasting success under President Florentino Perez

To lay the foundation for long-term success

Number 36 in Eastern feng shui culture means “forever” and symbolizes success and longevity. That is the number of times Real Madrid has won the Spanish championship after winning La Liga this 2023-24 season. This title is an affirmation of the unending greatness of the Perez era, especially when before and during this season, Real faced countless personnel difficulties. Benzema’s departure was only replaced by the extremely humble name Joselu. And the stars Courtois, Alaba, and Militao took turns suffering serious injuries, causing Mr. Ancelotti’s defense to always be in a state of patchwork. But miraculously, Lunin, Tchouameni, Camavinga… or notably rookie Jude Bellingham, have successfully completed their tasks to help Real’s La Liga season be a great success. Even throughout the season, there were few times when fans doubted Los Blancos’ ability to win the championship. The phenomenon of Girona, great rival Barcelona and even neighbor Atletico Madrid are not worthy opponents of the extremely stable performance of the champion.

Temporarily put aside the professional factor, because it is marked by the talent and efforts of the coaching staff and players. What makes Florentino Perez great is his vision. In the midst of a society devastated by Covid 19, this President is still determined to upgrade the Bernabeu stadium. Timely decisions as well as ingenuity in economic relationships from Perez himself helped Real stand firm after the pandemic.

Santiago Bernabeu is now the most modern stadium with a full roof and pitch
Looking at the financial situation of Real and Barca, the two Spanish football giants, through information from international media, it is clear that Perez’s class compared to his counterparts on the opposite side is one of a kind. area. Then in December 2023, Real officially inaugurated a new property – a Santiago Bernabeu still located in the most historical but modern location in Europe, promising to bring many lucrative sources of revenue in the future.

Of course, with Real Madrid’s stature, winning La Liga is not enough. The 15th title in the UEFA Champions League arena is the ultimate goal that Mr. Ancelotti and his team can win for the respected President next June 1. Now 77 years old, Florentino Perez still has no intention of stopping. Members of the Royal Football team should continue to trust him. Because as for Perez, the sparkle of the “Milky Way” will continue, with the next superstar about to arrive at the Bernabeu – Kylian Mbappe.