Real Madrid and the decline of an empire

Real Madrid are in decline in the 2024/25 season.

Real Madrid used to be a symbol of footballing nobility – a team that not only won but also knew how to behave in both victory and defeat. But that image has sadly faded, replaced by a team that is always ready to blame, attack and create conspiracy theories to cover up its own decline.

The Copa del Rey final was a chaotic climax when defender Antonio Rudiger threw a bag of rocks at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. But the act was no accident. It was the result of a systematic campaign initiated by Real Madrid TV before each match - publicly attacking the referee, rehashing every past decision to stir up public opinion.

In that context, uncontrolled behavior from players becomes inevitable, no longer an isolated event.

Florentino Perez, who transformed Real Madrid into the world's most powerful financial empire, is now a symbol of cynical and outdated governance. He may boast seven Champions League titles under his belt, but he has also dragged the club into a vicious cycle of rivalry, pettiness and toxicity.

This season, Real Madrid not only boycotted the Ballon d’Or gala because Vinicius did not win the award, but also refused to fulfill their media obligations, spread rumors that they would not play in the Copa del Rey final, and continuously stirred up feelings of unfair treatment. In such an environment, how can players and fans not feel “oppressed”?

The irony is that Real Madrid used to mock Barcelona for their "diving" and "crying at referees", but now they themselves are deeply immersed in that mindset - systematic, strategic and legitimized by the leadership.

Real Madrid faces the risk of going empty-handed in the 2024/25 season.

Real Madrid's decline is not only reflected in their performance but also in their development direction. The failure to find a replacement for Toni Kroos and the addition of Kylian Mbappe to a squad that already has an excess of left wingers and lacks tactical balance is clear evidence.

The new Bernabeu cost nearly €2 billion but has not yet delivered the financial results expected due to community resistance and conflicts with La Liga. The entire system is going astray - from personnel, strategy to operational culture.

Meanwhile, the press - which is supposed to be a channel for monitoring and criticizing power - is being pushed back, replaced by “influencers” controlled by the club. An environment where criticism is considered betrayal, and the truth is replaced by content that pleases the audience.

Some say the roots of the chaos began with Mourinho, who saw press conferences as part of the battle. But in reality, he was just a tool. It was Perez who, in fear of Guardiola’s Barca, chose to ignore core values ​​and bet on winning at all costs. Real Madrid had a reason then, but Real Madrid now does not.

President Perez must take part of the responsibility for Real Madrid's decline.

Now, with the club showing signs of losing ground, Perez is back to his old tricks: creating “enemies” to distract public opinion and consolidate power. But in an increasingly complex football world, that tactic only makes Madrid look out of place.

Real Madrid are not losing because of the referees, UEFA or the media. They are losing because they have lost the identity that made them famous. The culture of knowing how to win and know how to lose, once a source of pride, is being replaced by a victim mentality and blind resistance.

Florentino Perez may be the architect of the modern Madrid empire, but if he refuses to change, he will be the one to close that era - in doubt, bitterness and loneliness.

Source: https://znews.vn/real-madrid-va-su-suy-tan-cua-mot-de-che-post1550763.html