During a controversial and lengthy press conference, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez criticized several Spanish media outlets, specifically targeting a female journalist from the newspaper ABC. In a remark widely condemned as sexist on social media, Pérez questioned, “I don’t know if she understands football.”
The journalist, María José Fuenteálamo, quickly identified herself as the target and responded with composure on her social media accounts. She shared a link to her latest column, inviting the public to judge her work for themselves. “Florentino Pérez was referring to me, the ABC journalist. This is my column. Judge for yourselves,” she wrote.
In her article, Fuenteálamo offered a sharp critique of Real Madrid’s current state, describing the club as facing a triple crisis: poor results, damaged public image, and mismanagement of the stadium. She argued that the club lacks sportsmanship—respect for rules, for its own members, and for opponents. She wrote that while winning is important, true greatness also lies in enduring difficult times with dignity, something she believes Madrid has failed to do this season. She criticized players for ignoring fans and the broader social responsibility that comes with being part of the “world’s best club.”
The exchange has sparked widespread debate in Spanish football circles about media relations and gender issues within the sport.
