"Under your leadership there is an even brighter future ahead." That's FIFA president Gianni Infantino — posting about Florentino Pérez five days before Real Madrid's presidential election. Call it diplomatic. Call it a coincidence. It's neither.
Infantino shared the glowing tribute on Instagram after meeting Pérez in Budapest, where the 79-year-old Real Madrid incumbent had been a guest of FIFA at the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal. The post praised Pérez's "immense" contribution to football and expressed full confidence in his continued leadership. At this point in the calendar, that's an endorsement — full stop.
Why Infantino Has Skin in This Game
The relationship between these two men runs deep, and it's built on aligned self-interest. Pérez was one of the loudest cheerleaders for Infantino's expanded FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament that funnels more money to elite clubs — and more legitimacy to Infantino's global vision. Real Madrid participated in the inaugural edition last year. The arrangement suits both parties.
There's more. According to AS, the pair's close personal ties were a key factor in Madrid's revamped Santiago Bernabéu being selected as the venue for the 2030 World Cup final. That's not a small favor. Keeping Pérez in the presidential chair protects that entire arrangement.
The Election Itself
Pérez called snap elections on May 12 — earlier than required — and faces his first genuine challenger in over 20 years. Enrique Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy CEO, is running against him with bold promises: high-profile signings, a say in managerial appointments, and club legend Raúl González as sporting director.
Pérez's campaign has been lighter on specifics. His slogan — "much more history to make" — leans on a record that includes seven Champions League titles and 36 Spanish league championships. The endorsements have followed accordingly: Benzema, Modrić, Casemiro, Roberto Carlos, and Ronaldo Nazario, who took the microphone at Pérez's launch to declare, "President, you are the best and always will be the best."
Now add the FIFA president to that list.
Voting is on June 7, with Pérez going in as the clear favourite — and now with the backing of one of the most powerful figures in global football sitting visibly in his corner.
