Florentino Pérez, widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in Real Madrid’s history, has not been immune to controversy during his long tenure. One of the most notable incidents came in 2021, when Spanish outlet El Confidencial released private audio recordings from the early 2010s without his consent.

In the leaked conversations, Pérez made blunt remarks about club legends, calling Cristiano Ronaldo an “idiot,” Raúl and Iker Casillas “the two biggest frauds,” and then-coach José Mourinho a “moron.”

Following years of legal battles, the Spanish Supreme Court has now ruled that El Confidencial committed an “illegal interference” with Pérez’s privacy. The court stated the publication “exceeded the limits of freedom of speech” and aimed not to inform the public but to “damage the image of Mr. Florentino Pérez Rodríguez.” It classified the act as defamation, not protected by press freedom.

The legal dispute began shortly after the collapse of the European Super League project in 2021, with Pérez suggesting the leak was a form of retaliation for his involvement.

The Supreme Court’s decision confirms earlier rulings from the Madrid first-instance court and the Provincial Court. As part of the verdict, El Confidencial and its editor, Ignacio Cardero, must permanently cease any reproduction or publication of the recordings. They must also publish the court’s decision in several major Spanish media outlets, including Marca, As, and El País, and on their own platform within 15 days.

The ruling also orders them to pay a symbolic compensation of €1 and cover all legal costs.

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