Florentino Pérez’s controversial press conference has sparked widespread criticism beyond Spanish football, with the Real Madrid president’s attack on the media drawing comparisons to Donald Trump. Here’s a look at the global press reaction.
The memorable appearance by Florentino Pérez has caused a stir not only in Spain but across Europe. His frontal assault on the media, the call for new elections, and the mix of sarcasm and provocation raised eyebrows throughout football circles.
The 65-minute rant from Real Madrid’s long-serving president was poorly received almost everywhere. The businessman was compared to both Joe Biden and Donald Trump, with some outlets labeling his statements as “outrageous.” SPORT1 has compiled the best press reactions to Pérez’s bombshell.
SPAIN
Marca: “Florentino announces elections and launches a brutal attack on the press. ‘I will not resign,’ he began, much like Rubiales. Then he called for new elections before delivering an unprecedented and bizarre reckoning with the media. The verdict: Real Madrid urgently needs two midfielders and an image chief. Mourinho couldn’t have done it better.”
El Mundo: “There’s no cure for Real Madrid: only the Florentino of 2010 could save us from the Florentino of 2026. The situation is so dire that the president went public to chant ‘No to the sports press’ and ‘No to Negreira’ — two demands more universal than ‘No to war’ — yet he still lost.”
El Laguero: “Florentino Pérez turns Real Madrid into an enemy for the whole world. Real Madrid is experiencing its most delicate days as a club. A team with internal squabbles, controversies around its star, a lost Clásico that handed the title to rivals — and now a presidential statement that has left the football world speechless. Very few support his performance.”
Sport: “An arrogant, provocative, and shameless Florentino declares himself the best in the world in a grotesque appearance. Arrogant, haughty, insincere, and at times confused — in some passages, Pérez resembled the worst traits of certain politicians more focused on fighting critics than providing explanations. In other words, he looked more like former US President Joe Biden in his final term than a modern statesman. His tone, between hesitant and sarcastic, was far from amusing and revealed a staging unworthy of a club like Real Madrid and a multinational like ACS.”
ABC (under attack): “Florentino Pérez covers up Real Madrid’s failures with a fierce attack against ABC. The president calls for new elections and challenges his opponents to run, while accusing the press of conspiring to bring him and the ‘white’ club down.”
AS: “The white chief leaves the Valdebebas press room after a historic appearance, switching to attack mode by calling for elections.”
ENGLAND
Sky Sports: “Pérez back in the spotlight after astonishing press conference. The Real Madrid president apparently believes attack is the best defense, blaming the media and referees for all his club’s problems this season. This performance was straight out of Donald Trump’s playbook when dealing with ‘fake news’ media — never give in, never apologize.”
BBC: “Angry president calls for elections.”
FRANCE
L’Equipe: “Pérez’s moon press conference: ‘There are campaigns against me, but I’m still here.’ During an extraordinary press conference on Tuesday, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez dismissed any idea of resigning but still called for an election. He also condemned lies and attacked the press.”
RMC Sport: “After Florentino Pérez’s bizarre press conference, tension between Barça and Real Madrid rises again. During his Tuesday press conference, Pérez addressed the Negreira case and expressed surprise that the investigation is still ongoing. FC Barcelona, implicated in the affair, is threatening legal action against the Real Madrid president.”
AUSTRIA AND NETHERLANDS
Krone: “Explosive statements — Unforgettable Real press conference: Barcelona considers lawsuit. After Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez’s memorable angry press conference, FC Barcelona spoke up late Tuesday. The reaction is significant — the rival is now even considering a lawsuit.”
De Telegraaf: “Real Madrid president Pérez launches sharp attack on Barcelona and Spanish media: ‘You are the problem.’ Florentino Pérez announced new elections for the Real Madrid presidency on Tuesday evening; the 79-year-old president is himself running for re-election.”
