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Florentino PeresPresident of Real Madrid
Date of Birth: 08.03.1947
Country:  Spain |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Born on March 8, 1947, in Madrid, Spain, Florentino Pérez received his higher education at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, where he specialized in civil engineering. He initially pursued an academic career as a professor at his alma mater.
Business Career
At the age of 25, Pérez embarked on his private sector career by co-founding a publishing house specializing in leisure guides. Later, he held various managerial positions, including Director General of the Spanish Roads Association (1973-1976) and Environmental Protection Officer for the City Council of Madrid (1976-1979). Following his political involvement, he became Vice President of the Institute for Reform and Agricultural Development (1981-1982).
In 1983, Pérez joined the construction firm Constructiones Padrós as Executive Vice President. Three years later, he assumed the presidency of Grupo OCISA, a conglomerate that included multiple construction businesses. In 1997, OCISA merged with Gines Navarro to form Actividades de Construcción y Servicios (ACS), with Pérez as its President.
Real Madrid Presidency
Pérez first ran for the presidency of Real Madrid in 1994, but was defeated by Ramón Mendoza. On July 17, 2000, he achieved his dream by winning the election with a significant margin. Over the following years, he transformed the debt-ridden club into a financial powerhouse.
Pérez's strategy centered around attracting world-renowned football stars known as the "Galácticos." Despite criticism, he secured the signings of players like Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo, Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Michael Owen. This strategy resulted in numerous triumphs, including a Champions League victory in 2002 and two La Liga titles in 2001 and 2003.
Resignation and Legacy
In 2006, Pérez surprisingly resigned as Real Madrid President after six seasons. The move followed a series of disappointing results on the pitch and growing tension within the dressing room. While his "Galáctico" model had brought success, it had also fostered individualism and a lack of team spirit.
Despite his departure, Pérez's legacy at Real Madrid remains significant. He turned the club into one of the wealthiest and most successful in the world, setting a foundation for future triumphs. The "Galáctico" era may have concluded, but it left an indelible mark on the history of football.
