Florentino Pérez Rodríguez (born 8 March 1947) is a Spanish civil engineer, businessman and long-serving president of Real Madrid Football Club. He is also the chairman of ACS (Actividades de Construcción y Servicios), a major construction and services group. Trained as a civil engineer, Pérez built his career in construction and corporate management before rising to national prominence in business and sport.

Early life and education

Pérez studied civil engineering and began his career in the construction sector. His professional background gave him technical and managerial experience that he later applied to corporate leadership and infrastructure projects. Over time he moved from engineering roles into executive positions and boardroom leadership.

Business career

As chairman of ACS, Pérez led a diversified group active in construction, engineering and services. Under his stewardship the company expanded through acquisitions and international contracts, becoming one of Spain's largest private contractors. His tenure at ACS made him a prominent figure in Spanish industry and public life.

Real Madrid presidency

First elected president of Real Madrid at the turn of the century, Pérez introduced a strategy combining high-profile player signings with commercial development. The so-called "Galácticos" approach paired sporting ambition with branding and global marketing and included signings that became widely known across world football.

Projects and policies

  • Large-scale player recruitment and sporting investment aimed at on-field success and global appeal.
  • Commercial expansion, sponsorship and media deals to increase club revenues and international reach.
  • Major redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium into a modern, commercially oriented venue with improved facilities.

Pérez's model links sporting ambition with business expansion: investing in players, facilities and commercial platforms to generate income and visibility. The approach influenced how many top European clubs integrated sporting and commercial objectives.

Controversies and public profile

He is a polarizing public figure. Supporters credit him with raising Real Madrid's profile and resources; critics argue the emphasis on commercial returns can distort sporting decisions and increase financial risk. Pérez was also a prominent advocate for a European Super League concept, a proposal that provoked strong debate across football.

As a leading businessperson, his corporate activities and those of ACS have attracted media scrutiny and legal inquiries at times, reflecting the complex intersection of large-scale construction business, politics and public contracts in Spain. Despite controversies, Pérez remains one of the most influential figures in contemporary European football management.