Javier Tebas offered his thoughts on several of the biggest storylines surrounding Real Madrid during an event held at Celta Vigo’s headquarters.
The La Liga president appeared particularly intrigued by the results of Real Madrid’s presidential election, where Florentino Pérez secured another term but faced a challenge from businessman Enrique Riquelme, who managed to earn a surprising share of the vote despite entering the race with little public recognition.
“Florentino Pérez has achieved a good
victory, but for this guy with a Mexican accent, who nobody knew 15 days ago, getting 35 percent of the vote isn’t bad,” Tebas said. “I don’t want to imagine what would have happened if he had a Spanish accent and 40 days to present his candidacy.”
Tebas suggested that the election revealed a side of Real Madrid that had largely remained hidden during Pérez’s two decades at the helm.
“We hadn’t seen Florentino on an election campaign or in the media for 20 years. This is the real Florentino I know,” Tebas said. “He won, and the numbers speak for themselves, but I think a different Real Madrid has emerged than what many people expected. Someone who was unknown, with a Mexican accent, who garnered the support of 35 percent of Real Madrid members under the current circumstances… any leader of any organization, myself included, should consider the opinions expressed when 35 percent of the members disagree. It’s important that everyone is represented and that decisions are made for the majority.”
While acknowledging Pérez’s victory, Tebas argued that the election itself was more significant than the final outcome.
“Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me (who won),” he said. “I maintain that 30 days ago nobody would have imagined that anyone could run as an alternative to Florentino Pérez given Real Madrid’s current circumstances. And in 20 or 25 days, the philosophy of the most important club in this country, along with FC Barcelona, has changed dramatically. We were used to this with Barcelona, but not with Real Madrid.”
The La Liga chief also commented on the return of José Mourinho, who is expected to begin a new chapter at Real Madrid after more than a decade away from the club.
“I think Mourinho’s return is fun,” Tebas said. “I’m not going to comment on the sporting aspect, but I’ve always said that I liked a league with Mourinho and Guardiola because they added a lot of spice. We all know Mourinho, he’s going to be a real game-changer.”
Mourinho’s previous tenure at Real Madrid coincided with one of the most intense periods in Spanish football history, as his team battled Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in a rivalry that helped define an era. Tebas’ comments suggest he expects the Portuguese coach’s personality and presence to once again become a major talking point across the league.
Finally, Tebas addressed reports linking Real Madrid with a potential €150 million transfer, though he stopped short of discussing any specific player.
“The 150m signing? I’ve always said that Spanish football shouldn’t waste money,” Tebas said. “Let’s hope that if Real Madrid makes such a significant investment, they make the right choice and bring in a great player, a star.”
