Florentino Pérez: “Real Madrid is a feeling that unites millions of people across the globe”
He presided over the graduation ceremony for the 20th intake of the Real Madrid European University, which is sponsored by Herbert Hainer, president of Bayern Munich.
Florentino Pérez presided over the graduation ceremony for the 20th intake of the Real Madrid European University College, which took place at the Bernabéu and saw 1,775 students graduate. Herbert Hainer, president of Bayern Munich, was the patron of this intake. The ceremony was also attended by Elena Gazapo, Vice-Chancellor of the European University of Madrid; Pedro López Jiménez, vice-president of Real Madrid and chairman of the Governing Council of the Real Madrid European University College; Otilia de la Fuente, president and CEO of the European University; and Emilio Butragueño, director of Institutional Relations at Real Madrid and managing director of the Real Madrid European University College.
Florentino Pérez: “Your history will always be linked to Real Madrid and the values it stands for”
“Dear students: I would like to congratulate you, because this is a day you will never forget. Today you should be very proud of your hard work and your commitment. You have pursued a dream, and here is the result. Nothing is impossible when you give it your all and the very best of yourselves. And this Santiago Bernabéu stadium has witnessed feats of constant self-improvement, as well as magical and unforgettable nights. Today, it is you who are here to write your own story – a story that will forever be linked to Real Madrid and the values that this crest represents for millions of people in every corner of the world.”
Work ethic
“You have trained to become the best professionals, but above all, you have learnt what Real Madrid is all about. This club teaches us to grow through a strong work ethic, the pursuit of excellence, team spirit, respect, sacrifice, humility and solidarity. This is how all the successes and titles this club has achieved throughout its 124-year history have been secured. You take with you a life lesson that will help you overcome difficulties: at Real Madrid, we fight until the very end and we never give up. Being part of Real Madrid is, above all, a way of understanding life and it is also a way of doing things.”
Real Madrid belongs in people’s hearts
“This iconic and legendary place is a symbol of universality. Real Madrid belongs to everyone. It belongs in people’s hearts, regardless of their nationality, language, religion, ideology, social status, ethnicity or culture. Real Madrid is a feeling that unites millions of people across the globe, and this University School is the finest example of this international ethos that forms part of our DNA.”
Partnership with the European University
“This strategic partnership with the European University began 20 years ago, and 20,000 students have now passed through the classrooms of our School. Our gratitude goes to the University’s lecturers, the professionals at Real Madrid and all the partners who have made this wonderful adventure possible and who have helped ensure that you are here today celebrating your graduation.”
A word of thanks to the patron of the graduating class
“And now, please allow me to say a few words of immense gratitude to our dear patron of this twentieth graduating class. The president of one of the world’s greatest and most beloved clubs. Today we welcome the president of Bayern Munich, Herbert Hainer. Dear Herbert, thank you for joining us at this ceremony and for being a role model for these students. We all admire the career of one of the world’s leading sports executives, who for many years has led one of the world’s greatest global brands, Adidas.”
“Herbert Hainer has been regarded as one of the world’s finest CEOs and is a model of leadership and professional success. He is a tireless advocate of teamwork and has received numerous honours, including the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Together, Bayern and Real Madrid have written some of the most extraordinary chapters in European football. Your presence here at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a great inspiration to our students. Today, we want you to take with you our affection, our admiration and our appreciation.”
A thought for Venezuela
“Today we are thinking in particular of a country dear to our hearts, Venezuela, to which we send all our love and solidarity from here.”
Hainer: “It is an honour to be here as president of Bayern Munich”
“It is a great day for me, an honour to be here as president of Bayern Munich and to give a speech in a place where the heart of Real Madrid beats and where the future of Real Madrid lies. Dear President Florentino Pérez, Emilio Butragueño and members of the Real Madrid board, thank you very much for this extraordinary invitation.”
“When I was asked if I would like to give a speech here, I accepted without a moment’s hesitation, because I said to myself: this is about more than just 90 minutes of football. I reflected on what unites our two clubs. Of course, there is a rivalry between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but above all there is a deep respect between the two sides. From my point of view, there is one concept that unites us, and I am sure it will be crucial for your future: Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have their own identities, just as you must have yours.”
Butragueño: “This is a very special occasion for us, as we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of this academic project”
“The hard work of this academic year culminates here: at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, one of the most iconic stadiums in the world and where all of us who love Real Madrid share our passion. In this legendary stadium, we pay tribute to you for your perseverance and dedication over all these months. It has been an honour to be by your side on this fascinating journey. I wish you all the very best for the future.”
“This is a very special occasion for us, as we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of this academic project. We are very proud of what we have achieved and that our school is a benchmark on the international stage. The international spirit is one of the hallmarks of the School.”
Elena Gazapo: “Real Madrid is a global benchmark for excellence, not only in sport but also institutionally”
“Today is a very special day, full of emotions that are heightened the moment I set foot on the pitch of this stadium, where unique moments have taken place that form part of Real Madrid’s history and are now intertwined with your own history.”
“Real Madrid, under the leadership of Florentino Pérez, has established itself as a global benchmark for excellence, not only in sport but also institutionally. His recent re-election reflects the members’ confidence in his vision and leadership, with the certainty that this project will continue to enhance the club’s history and consolidate its global leadership.”
Special mentions
The award for the best programme went to the Master’s Degree in Sports Communication and Journalism, which was accepted by its directors David Mendoza, Oussama Hammouch and Lorena Almansa. The Sports Management Department also received a special mention for having contributed most to the school’s development; this was accepted by the department’s directors, Manolo Sanchís, Antonio Vos and Pablo Burillo. The Best Entrepreneurship Project award went to Noctua, with the certificate accepted by Elena Vadillo Sánchez, Alejandro Sáez Moreno, Irene Santamaría Uguet and María Pérez García. Before the graduation ceremony began, a minute’s silence was observed for the victims of the earthquake that has struck Venezuela.