Real Madrid News
Florentino Perez addresses Real Madrid members at badge ceremony: ‘Here, no one gives up’
Real Madrid held one of their most cherished annual traditions on Sunday, gathering over a thousand club members at the Basketball Pavilion for the gold badge and gold and diamond medal presentation ceremony.
A total of 730 badges were awarded, including 440 gold badges recognising 50 consecutive years of membership, and 290 gold and diamond badges honouring those who have been members for 60 uninterrupted years.
Club president Florentino Perez and Honorary President Pirri presented the awards together following an address from Florentino to the assembled members.
Florentino made a speech marking the special event for the club.
“This is one of the most heartwarming events at this club, a tribute to those who have dedicated their entire lives to our Real Madrid.
“I share your emotions, because I myself was fortunate enough to receive the gold and diamond badge, in my case, from the hands of our beloved Amancio Amaro,” he said.
“You are the driving force behind ensuring that this badge remains the most beloved and admired in the world. We work to ensure that Real Madrid continues to win people’s hearts,” he added.
Those receiving the gold and diamond badge this year joined the club during the 1965-66 season – the year Real Madrid lifted their sixth European Cup. Pirri himself was part of that historic starting lineup.
The gold badge recipients, meanwhile, began their membership in the 1975-76 season, a campaign remembered for one of the great nights at the Bernabeu — a 5-1 victory over Derby County that came to symbolise the club’s capacity for dramatic comebacks.
Florentino Perez talked about the present and the expectations that come with wearing the badge of the world’s most decorated club.
“Here, no one gives up. You know very well that we will continue working to add more titles to the greatest trophy cabinet in existence.”
“Without forgetting our own high standards, I ask that we value things in their proper perspective and be aware of the difficulty of winning each title.
“At the same time, we have built this Sports City and are expanding the Bernabeu, a source of pride for Madrid and Spain,” added
He closed by reminding the room of what makes the club what it is and where that strength ultimately comes from.
“Dear members, we must continue to be proud of our Real Madrid, the most valuable club in the world, with the highest revenue and the greatest reputation. This is Real Madrid, thanks to your effort and commitment.”
“I thank you for the affection I receive from all the members; it is an honour to have your support to continue building the greatest club in the world,” he concluded.
Source: Diario AS
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
