Real Madrid enters the new year with many ongoing wars.
As 2024 comes to an end and 2025 begins, Real Madrid is on an upward trajectory both on and off the pitch. The team has already surpassed Barcelona in LaLiga despite playing one match less, with Atlético Madrid emerging as the main challengers for the title.
In the Champions League, a crucial win in Bergamo has significantly clarified their qualification scenario, even if it looks like they may not avoid the play-off round.
On an institutional level, Real Madrid enters the new year with some unresolved conflicts, while others are moving towards resolution or at least a closer alignment of positions.
Super League and UEFA relationship
The main conflict remains that of UEFA over the Super League project. A22, the company leading the initiative, recently submitted the proposal for a new format with four divisions and 96 teams to UEFA and FIFA. Although no official response has been received, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG president and head of the European Club Association (ECA), has already criticized the idea. Al-Khelaifi, an ally of UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, dismissed A22 as a consultancy firm working for Real Madrid, labeling the project as “disruptive” and serving the interests of a few separatist clubs.
LaLiga, which along with UEFA opposed the Super League, says the project would diminish the significance of national competitions. This arrangement saw La Liga president Javier Tebas often appear alongside Al-Khelaifi, despite Tebas' constant criticism of state clubs disrupting the football economy. Tebas acknowledges the contradiction in his position, but remains an opponent of Real Madrid, with numerous lawsuits and frequent clashes between the two.
Ballon d'Or and UEFA tensions
Another point of contention with UEFA emerged during the Ballon d'Or. Despite Vinícius Júnior being the frontrunner, the award was presented to Spaniard Rodri, sparking outrage within Real Madrid. The club boycotted the gala that day and withdrew about 50 planned attendees. Although Real Madrid failed to directly accuse the Ballon d'Or of manipulation, they highlighted UEFA's involvement in the event as a factor undermining its impartiality, especially given the ongoing dispute over the Super League.
Improved relations with FIFA
Relations with FIFA, on the other hand, are considerably more cordial. Although Real Madrid shares concerns about FIFA's role in the overloaded football calendar, personal ties are stronger, as evidenced by the Intercontinental Cup in Doha and the Best Awards gala. This time, Vinícius Júnior received the award he was expected to win, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino highlighting the inclusive voting process, a subtle jab at the Ballon d'Or. Real Madrid took advantage of the situation and attended the FIFA gala together with Vinicius and manager Carlo Ancelotti, despite it being just before a grand final.
Spanish Federation and referees
Domestically, Real Madrid's relationship with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) remains mixed. The election of Rafael Louzán as president of the RFEF has created uncertainty. While Louzán has extended an olive branch to Florentino Pérez, praising his leadership and Real Madrid's global influence, his close ties with La Liga side Tebas have raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, Madrid's decision to join the Negreira case as a private prosecutor has strained relations with Barcelona, despite the clubs often focusing on wider issues.
Referees remain a controversial topic. Real Madrid TV regularly publishes critical reports on referee decisions, leading to friction with officials who see them as attempts to apply pressure. Louzán appears determined to improve relations with Real Madrid and could prioritize easing tensions around refereeing criticism.
Comments