Real Madrid Shakes Football World with Groundbreaking Ownership Revolution: The Future Starts Now
Real Madrid's president Florentino Pérez has announced that the club will welcome outside investment for the first time ever, marking a dramatic transformation in their ownership structure.
The 72-year-old disclosed intentions to bring in a "minority investor" to Real Madrid's ownership framework, which has exclusively comprised socios (club members) since 1902. Currently, 98,272 members possess the authority to select Los Blancos' president and participate in other crucial decisions.
However, the inclusion of an external entity is being developed, aiming to provide Real Madrid with enhanced financial resources to rival clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.
Importantly, this significant transformation requires approval from the socios. During Sunday's 2025 General Assembly of Delegate Members, Pérez pledged to organize an "extraordinary assembly" where 2,000 representative socios will decide on the proposal before holding a referendum allowing all members to voice their opinion.
Pérez: New Investment Will Help 'Safeguard' Real Madrid
"Throughout recent months we have contemplated extensively on how to showcase Real Madrid's value and the answer is evident," Pérez stated. "We will remain a members' club, but we will establish a subsidiary entity where the socios retain control alongside a minority investor holding approximately five percent.
"This approach allows us to determine the club's worth. We have no intention of going public. We will restrict the investment portion to ensure the club stays under socio control. This investor or group of investors must align with our principles and assist in safeguarding our interests against outside threats.
"Real Madrid will always retain the option to reclaim the investment. Madrid cannot rely solely on certain directors or a single president, we refuse to let it fall under anyone's control. This decision will be made independently by all members through referendum. During the EGM (extraordinary general assembly) we can provide further details, but I want to prevent all the speculation in today's media."
How Real Madrid's Ownership Transformation Impacts the Club's Direction
Within the suggested new ownership framework, every socio would possess a single Real Madrid share, transferable only to offspring or grandchildren.
Based on The Athletic's reporting, the new backers would receive a portion of the club's revenue, but would lack voting privileges. Consequently, despite this potentially historic shift for Real Madrid, authority would remain with club members, as it has for the past 123 years.
Rather, the strategy focuses on the financial advantages of securing external investment. Pérez continuously seeks innovative methods to enhance Real Madrid's worth and international presence, whether through the renovated Bernabéu hosting musical performances and NFL matches or a revolutionary Apple partnership for an exclusive documentary.
Beyond generating additional external revenue, the new framework would also prevent Real Madrid from becoming an SAD (sports limited company), unlike most Spanish clubs.
Additionally, Los Blancos could protect themselves against alleged "assaults" from La Liga president Javier Tebas, who advocates for new regulations enabling the league to claim a larger portion of Madrid's yearly income.