ไทย
English
中國人
FIFA president Gianni Infantino appears to have thrown his weight behind a candidate in the Real Madrid presidential race, publishing a social media post full of praise for Florentino Pérez.
Pérez attended the Champions League final in Budapest as FIFA's guest at the close of last month, during which he reportedly held talks with Infantino about the direction of the sport—following which football's most powerful administrator spoke warmly about the sitting Real Madrid president.
Pérez is currently on the campaign trail seeking to reclaim the Real Madrid presidency, having called a surprise early election during a press conference on May 12. With voting scheduled for June 7, Pérez faces a presidential challenger for the first time in more than two decades, with 37-year-old renewable energy executive Enrique Riquelme standing as the opposing candidate.
Both men are in full campaign mode as they look to win over Real Madrid's 100,000-strong socio membership ahead of polling day.
Riquelme has put forward a series of ambitious promises regarding transfers and managerial appointments, and has named club icon Raúl González as his intended sporting director. Pérez—whose campaign motto is "much more history to make"—has been notably vaguer in his commitments.
The 79-year-old incumbent, who has presided over seven Champions League triumphs, has received high-profile endorsements from former stars including Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, Casemiro, Roberto Carlos, and Ronaldo Nazario—the latter grabbing the microphone to declare: "President, you are the best and always will be the best!" at Pérez's campaign launch event.
Infantino: Real Madrid Will 'Continue to Shine' With Pérez
Pérez has also received quiet backing from FIFA president Infantino.
On Wednesday, Infantino shared a post on Instagram: "It was a pleasure to speak with Florentino Pérez in Budapest at the UEFA Champions League final.
"His achievements, contributions and influence on our sport have been extraordinary. Thank you for all that you have done for football, for helping Real Madrid continue to shine on the world stage, and I have no doubt that under your stewardship an even brighter future lies ahead.
"FIFA shares a long history with Real Madrid, who as the Spanish representatives, were actually one of the seven founding members of FIFA over 122 years ago. The 36-time Spanish champions and the most decorated club in European competition also took part in last year's inaugural FIFA Club World Cup and continue to bring fans together across the globe."
It is hard to interpret Infantino's display of support for Pérez at this particular moment as anything other than an endorsement ahead of the upcoming election.
Why Would Infantino Back Pérez?
Despite Real Madrid not featuring in the final, Pérez was present in the VIP section at the Puskas Arena to watch the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal on May 30, having been invited as a guest of FIFA and UEFA.
Pérez has long been regarded as a key ally for Infantino, with the two men sharing several common interests as influential global figures within the sport.
Pérez was a strong advocate for the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, with the Real Madrid chief's drive to secure greater revenues for elite clubs closely mirroring Infantino's own agenda.
The pair are known to share a "close" personal bond, which, AS reports, played a significant role in Madrid's renovated Santiago Bernabéu being selected to host the 2030 World Cup final.