Florentino Pérez Rodríguez is a name synonymous with both elite football and high-stakes business. As the long-serving president of Real Madrid CF and the Chairman and CEO of Grupo ACS, Spain’s largest construction company, Pérez has built a legacy across vastly different worlds. In 2025, his net worth is estimated at $3 billion, placing him among Spain’s wealthiest individuals. At 77 years old, the Madrid-born executive remains a dominant force in both sports and industry.
A Political Start Before Business Dominance
Before achieving global fame through Real Madrid, Pérez’s early career began in politics. He joined Spain’s Unión de Centro Democrático (UCD) in 1976, shortly after Franco’s dictatorship ended. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving in several key government roles throughout the late 1970s and early ’80s.
Among his notable positions were General Director of Transport Infrastructure under the Ministry of Transport, and President of the Institute for Agrarian Reform and Development (IRYDA) at the Ministry of Agriculture. These roles gave him experience managing large-scale operations and national infrastructure, skills that would serve him well in the private sector.
From Government to Construction Giant
In 1983, Florentino Pérez transitioned to business, launching his journey in the construction industry by taking over Construcciones Padrós as top executive and principal shareholder. His leadership and strategic acquisitions helped him expand rapidly. His big breakthrough came when he took over Grupo ACS (Actividades de Construcción y Servicios, S.A.), which would eventually grow into Spain’s most powerful construction and civil engineering firm.
As of 2025, Pérez still holds the Chairman and CEO roles at ACS, and owns a 13% stake in the company. ACS is valued at approximately $13.6 billion, with operations spanning Europe, Latin America, North America, and beyond. The conglomerate includes major subsidiaries like Cobra, Hochtief, Dragados, Unión Fenosa, and Auxini.
Though it’s unclear what his annual salary as Real Madrid president entails, El Confidencial previously reported that Pérez earned around $6.1 million in 2016 in bonuses and compensation from ACS alone. Considering his longevity and role in expanding the company, his annual income today is likely substantially higher.
Real Madrid: A Club Rebuilt Under His Vision
Despite common belief, Florentino Pérez does not own Real Madrid. The club is owned by its members, known as “socios,” but Pérez holds enormous influence as president. He first campaigned for the role in 1995, but was unsuccessful. He eventually won the presidency in 2000, ushering in what became known as the “Galáctico Era.”
During his first term (2000–2006), he signed superstars like Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário, and David Beckham—transforming Real Madrid into both a football powerhouse and a global marketing machine. Under his leadership, the club won two La Liga titles and one UEFA Champions League before Pérez stepped down in 2006.
He returned in 2009, and Real Madrid’s success accelerated once again. His second tenure saw marquee signings like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Kaka, and later Eden Hazard, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé. Most notably, the club has won seven Champions League titles under his overall presidency—more than any other Real Madrid president in history.
Beyond trophies, Pérez led the massive renovation of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, transforming it into a futuristic, multi-purpose venue designed to generate revenue year-round. The modernized Bernabéu will play a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s financial future, and it further cements his legacy as a visionary sports executive.
Business and Football: Balancing Two Empires
Pérez’s dual life as a football executive and business mogul is rare—even in today’s hyper-commercialized sports world. He seamlessly balances both, using his background in engineering and politics to lead high-level projects and negotiate billion-dollar deals. His strategy blends corporate discipline with sports ambition, which explains why Real Madrid has remained both financially sound and globally dominant under his leadership.
He’s not just investing in players—he’s building infrastructure, pushing for innovation, and adapting the club’s business model to modern demands. The European Super League project, despite its controversies, reflected his desire to future-proof top-tier football from financial disparity and declining youth interest.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Florentino Pérez tends to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. He is a father of three and was married to his late wife María Ángeles Sandoval, who passed away in 2012. Known for his formal demeanor, Pérez rarely discusses private matters publicly, preferring to let his decisions at Real Madrid and Grupo ACS speak for themselves.
Despite his age, he shows no signs of stepping away from public life, regularly attending matches, business meetings, and international conferences. His mix of engineering expertise, political savvy, and boardroom leadership continues to set him apart in both fields.