Florentino Pérez has called for Real Madrid elections, refusing to resign despite mounting pressure following the club's trophyless season. The 79-year-old president held an emergency news conference after meeting with the board, defending his record and hitting back at critics. Madrid finished the season without a major trophy for the second consecutive year — a first in two decades.

Real Madrid's campaign ended with a devastating 2-0 defeat at Barcelona on Sunday, handing the Catalan club the LaLiga title. This marks the first time in 20 years the club has gone two seasons without silverware. Mid-season changes saw Álvaro Arbeloa replace Xabi Alonso as manager, but the leadership turmoil extended beyond the pitch. A physical altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni during training resulted in each player being fined €500,000 after the incident was leaked to the media.

Pérez addressed what he called a coordinated smear campaign, specifically refuting online claims about his health. He dismissed rumors of terminal illness, stating his condition was excellent and continuing to run both Real Madrid and his business interests. Despite the club's worst performance in two decades, he emphasized his 37 football and 29 basketball titles won during his tenure. Rather than step down, he's inviting any member to challenge him in the upcoming election, framing it as a defense of the club's interests against those attempting to undermine him.