New Delhi: In a notable move celebrating the impact of Florentino Perez, Real Madrid’s Sports City is set to be renamed in honor of the club’s president. As per reports, the Madrid City Council has renamed the Sports City to “Ciutat Esportiva Real Madrid – Florentino Perez,” on its official website. While the official website of Real Madrid still lists the previous name, “Ciudad Real Madrid,” the name of Perez has been added to the Madrid City Council’s website.
What prompted change?
Florentino Perez has long been one of Real Madrid’s most influential figures. His first tenure as club president began in 2000 and following a brief gap, he returned for a second term in June 2009. His legacy goes beyond the club’s achievements on the pitch. Perez is also credited with the development of Real Madrid’s sprawling 1.2-million-square-meter Sports City which since its inauguration in 2005 has become an essential base for both the football and basketball teams.
Featuring eleven professional-grade grass pitches, a modern basketball pavilion, and the iconic Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, the Real Madrid Sports City is one of Europe’s most impressive training centers. The complex has supported Real Madrid’s competitive needs while also serving as a premier developmental hub embodying Perez’s vision for a sports facility that goes beyond traditional boundaries.
🚨BREAKING: Real Madrid Sports City is now renamed to ‘Florentino Perez Sports City’ @diarioas pic.twitter.com/lgT4tNg7uo
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) November 13, 2024
Proposal
The decision to rename the training centre came during the 2023 Assembly of Delegates where a formal proposal was approved following a request by over a thousand members in alignment with Article 28 of Real Madrid’s Statutes. The name change represents an acknowledgment of Perez’s immense contributions, especially in elevating the club’s training infrastructure.
In a statement reflecting his characteristic modesty, Perez expressed gratitude for the honor but requested a gradual approach to implementing the name change. “I only ask that the name be put up when I say so because I am not yet psychologically prepared to see my name on the door of the sports city,” Perez said emphasizing his desire for a discreet transition.
The renaming initiative is not the first time Perez’s name has been linked to one of Real Madrid’s landmarks. During the 2022 Assembly, some members even proposed renaming the historic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium after Perez, an idea he firmly declined, stating, “We are never going to change the name of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.” His decision was met with respect as the Bernabeu remains an emblem of the club’s storied history.
Florentino Pérez in 2022: “The stadium will never bear my name, it will always be called Santiago Bernabéu. If you want, you can give my name to the sports city (Valdebebas).”
November 2024: The Sports City is named after Florentino. pic.twitter.com/yeHtEUjsya
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) November 13, 2024
Official announcement
While Real Madrid is yet to make an official announcement, the Madrid City Council’s early update hints at the forthcoming change. The November 24 meeting of the General and Extraordinary Assemblies of Real Madrid’s Delegated Members may include a discussion on this historic decision solidifying Perez’s legacy further within the club’s framework.
For a man whose strategic vision has reshaped Real Madrid, the renaming of the training ground stands as a symbolic tribute to his enduring contributions. The move underscores how Perez’s leadership has not only driven Real Madrid to on-field success but also created a foundation for future growth. As the club prepares to unveil the new name in its own time Real Madrid fans around the world will witness a tribute to the legacy of a president who has helped shape the club’s modern identity.
Real Madrid’s training ground is set to be renamed after president Perez honoring his transformative impact on the club and its state-of-the-art facilities. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
