Real Madrid: Internal Revolution Looms Ahead of 2026

Real Madrid is on the brink of a significant internal transformation as President Florentino Pérez outlines ambitious structural reforms. The recent general assembly highlighted potential private investment and the creation of a holding company to oversee the club’s various subsidiaries. At 78, Pérez is determined to implement changes he believes are crucial for maintaining the club’s competitive edge in the future. However, these reforms have sparked concerns among some members of the board, particularly regarding the future of head coach Xabi Alonso.

The discussions now revolve around a dual focus: achieving immediate results while shaping a sustainable economic model for tomorrow. According to reports from VozPopuli, the prospect of appointing a dedicated CEO to lead the new holding has become a focal point of tension within the club. This role would centralize investor relations, manage operations at the Santiago Bernabéu, and oversee activities at Valdebebas. The overarching goal is to elevate Real Madrid’s valuation beyond €10 billion, a vision that intrigues some board members but disrupts a long-standing power balance traditionally centered around Pérez and a few iconic figures.

Key Candidates for Executive Role

Among those mentioned as potential candidates for this CEO position is Anas Laghrari, who has been closely associated with Pérez and has played a pivotal role in recent financial dealings. Laghrari’s involvement in negotiations with partners like Sixth Street and representatives from Bernard Arnault’s LVMH suggests he could be instrumental in facilitating partial capital openings to private investors. Nevertheless, this scenario is not universally accepted; some executives express concerns that Laghrari lacks significant connections within traditional football institutions and may face challenges navigating La Liga‘s political landscape.

Shifting Dynamics within the Club

Conversely, others argue that Laghrari’s financial acumen aligns perfectly with Pérez’s vision—an executive focused solely on economic valuation rather than sporting noise. Additionally, Carlos Ocaña, currently serving as deputy general director, has emerged as another influential figure who could play a larger role in shaping the club’s future structure. Amidst these developments, the sporting aspect remains ever-present. Discussions surrounding Alonso’s position reflect broader organizational changes; should results falter or conflict arise with institutional objectives, Pérez is not expected to shy away from making bold decisions.

As José Angel Sanchez and Emilio Butragueno observe these shifts from a more neutral stance, they await a redefined distribution of responsibilities among the presidency, executive management, and sporting sector. The tension within Real Madrid is palpable as it navigates this transformative phase—will they emerge stronger or falter under internal pressures? Only time will tell as we approach 2026.