That the name of Florentino Perez can even be uttered in the same breath as the likes of Alfredo di Stefano, Raul and Cristiano Ronaldo as among the most significant figures in Real Madrid's history, says plenty about the seismic impact made by the Spanish businessman.
A divisive figure he might be due to his tendency of hiring firing managers at the drop of a hat and his varied record in the transfer market but, having ushered in the Galacticos era, there is little doubt he is part of the tapestry at Los Blancos.
But what is the story behind the head honcho at the Santiago Bernabeu and what is his net worth? Goal brings you all you need to know.
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Who is Florentino Perez?
Florentino Perez is the president of Real Madrid.
A former politician, Perez is a businessman with a background in civil engineering and construction. He has been involved with Grupo ACS since the company was formed in 1997 and is now the chairman and CEO.
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Perez actually failed in his first attempt to take control of operations in Madrid, failing with a presidential bid in 1995 as he lost to Ramon Mendoza, who would soon depart.
Come 2000, Perez sought to take advantage of Real's poor financial standing and promised a series of world class signings - including Barcelona's Luis Figo - during his campaign.
He scooped 94.2 per cent of the vote and then delivered on his promise by acquiring Figo from their greatest rival for a then world record fee.
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The arrival of the Portugal international sparked a trend of Galacticos signings across the coming years which included the acquisitions of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Robinho.
During Perez's first six years at the helm Real won two La Liga titles and the European Cup, prior to his resignation in February 2006.
Upon his return in 2009 the Galacticos policy continued, with Kaka, Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil, Angel di Maria and Gareth Bale all arriving in the subsequent years.
The string of high-profile signings has been accompanied by years of success for Real who won three Champions League titles in a row between 2014 and 2017, while also winning La Liga in the 2017 and 2020.
In 2021, shortly after being re-elected as Real Madrid president, Perez was announced as the first president of the inaugural Super League project.
However, the venture failed to get off the ground after a groundswell of opposition.
Despite the fact that the majority of the clubs involved in the Super League stated their intention to withdraw, Perez remains steadfast in his belief in the project.
"I am convinced that if this project does not come out, another will come out," he told El Larguero.
"I'm sad and disappointed. We've been working for years on this, looking to see how to make things better from a football and economic point of view."
What is Florentino Perez's net worth?
| Net worth: | $2.2 billion (2021) |
| Source of wealth: | Construction business, Real Madrid interests |
| Date of Birth: | March 8, 1947 |
| Country of birth: | Spain |
Florentino Perez had a net worth of $2.2 billion (£1.5bn) in early 2021, according to Forbes.
His wealth has been acquired mainly through his business interests in the construction industry, while Real Madrid remain a global powerhouse in football with a value of $4.75 billion (£3.2bn).
Indeed, Madrid were at the top of the Deloitte Football Money League in 2021, along with their Clasico rivals Barcelona, after revenues totalling over €700 million the previous year.
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What is Florentino Perez's salary?
There is no substantial evidence regarding the salary which Perez earns from his role as president of Real Madrid.
However, the pay packet his receives as majority shareholder and vice-president of ACS was revealed in 2016.
According to El Confidencial, Perez was paid €5.93 million (£4.76m) for the year of 2016, a salary which was partly made up of performance-related bonuses.
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