Real Madrid is examining a plan to create a subsidiary that would allow external investors to buy a stake of around 5% in the world’s most valuable football club, president Florentino Pérez told members at the club’s annual meeting, Reuters reports. 

The proposal will require an extraordinary general meeting to amend the club’s statutes.

Pérez said the membership-owned structure will remain in place but argued that a small external stake could strengthen the club. “If someone is willing to invest significant amounts of money for a symbolic stake, this is the greatest demonstration of Real Madrid’s value,” he told members, adding that any investor must respect the club’s values and contribute to its long-term growth.

Real Madrid is one of only four major Spanish clubs still owned by its members. About 2,000 of those members serve as delegates responsible for electing the president, approving accounts, and voting on structural changes.

The move comes as private equity firms increase their presence in European football. Earlier this month, Apollo agreed to become the majority shareholder in Atlético Madrid, joining a series of international investors drawn to stable, predictable revenue streams in elite football.

Real Madrid reported €1.19bn in revenue for the 2024/2025 season, the only club globally to generate more than €1bn. Net profit rose 56% to €24.3m. Forbes values the club at $6.75bn, placing it at the top of the global rankings.

Pérez has long argued that Real Madrid must adapt its ownership model to compete with clubs backed by private equity firms, billionaire owners, or state-funded investors. Last year, he raised the idea of a referendum on ownership reform, while reiterating that members would remain the ultimate owners of the club.

The club already works with institutional investors. In 2022, Real Madrid agreed a €360m deal with Sixth Street, giving the US private equity firm rights to develop and operate new commercial activities at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium over the next 20 years.

Real Madrid will now convene an extraordinary meeting to vote on opening a minority stake to outside capital, a move that could mark one of the most significant governance changes in the club’s modern history.

If you think we missed any important news, please do not hesitate to contact us at news@pe-insights.com.

Can`t stop reading? Read more.