Meet Anas Laghrari – The mystery man behind Florentino Perez at the centre of Real Madrid elections | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s presidential election campaign is beginning to uncover stories that extend far beyond football. 

One of the most discussed names in recent weeks has been Anas Laghrari, a figure who has long operated behind the scenes but is now finding himself at the centre of public debate.

The increased attention comes after presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme openly questioned Laghrari’s influence within the club, raising doubts about the role he plays despite not holding an official position in Real Madrid’s organisational structure.

“Why is there a person with so much power alongside the president who holds no official position and who, moreover, is involved in most of the club’s operations?”

Meet Anas Laghrari – Perez’s right-hand man

While Laghrari rarely appears in public and generally avoids media attention, he has become one of the most trusted figures in Florentino Perez’s inner circle.

Perez has complete trust in Anas Laghrari. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

His relationship with the Real Madrid president goes back many years and extends beyond football. 

Mundo Deportivo describe him as someone who enjoys the complete confidence of Perez, as well as other key figures within the organisation, including general manager Jose Angel Sanchez and presidential chief of staff Manuel Redondo.

Professionally, Laghrari has built his reputation in the financial sector. 

He is widely regarded as a banking and investment specialist who has advised Perez on numerous major operations over the years.

His influence has been particularly visible in several projects linked to Real Madrid, including the controversial European Super League initiative. 

A relationship that goes way back

Laghrari has been associated with several decisions taken by Perez. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Behind the scenes, Laghrari has often been involved in the financial planning and business discussions surrounding some of the club’s most significant long-term objectives.

However, his connection with Perez is not purely professional, as the relationship dates back to family ties, with Laghrari’s father having collaborated on various business ventures connected to Perez many years ago.

Earlier in his career, after joining Key Capital, a financial advisory firm specialising in banking relationships and corporate transactions, he continued advising Perez on major business matters linked to his wider commercial interests.

Interestingly, reports have also linked Laghrari to advisory work involving Barcelona during one of the most financially challenging periods in the club’s recent history.

Under normal circumstances, Laghrari would likely have remained a largely unknown figure to most supporters, although that has changed because of the presidential election campaign.