Florentino Perez “welcomes” Pope Leo XIV to Real Madrid following fan admission | OneFootball

Real Madrid are one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the biggest, and this is reflected in their fanbase. They have supporters from across the globe, with several high-profile personnel among them – but perhaps the biggest name has now been revealed.

On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV was asked about his favourite football club on the eve of the 2026 World Cup starting. As per Marca, he took the diplomatic approach when considering his title, although he did admit that on a personal level, his heart is with Real Madrid.

“That’s easy. The Pope is for all the teams… but Robert Prevost is a Real Madrid fan.”

Perez expresses delight at Pope remarks

Image via EFE

Word filtered through to those at Real Madrid regarding the remarks of the Pontiff, and president Florentino Perez made reference to them when he spoke during his closing candidacy ceremony on Saturday.

“I would like to welcome Leo XIV to Spain. Today he said on the plane that he is a Real Madrid fan and that is a source of pride for us. Welcome, Your Holiness.”

Pope Leo XIV has travelled to Spain as part of a tour that will last until the 12th of June. In fact, he will be at the Bernabeu on Monday to address his followers, as confirmed by Real Madrid in a statement posted to their website.

“The Bernabéu is finalising preparations to welcome Pope Leo XIV. Our stadium will host on Monday the meeting with the diocesan community of Madrid, one of the main events that His Holiness will carry out during his visit to Spain, where he will remain until June 12.

“Outside the stadium, a large canvas with the message ‘Welcome, Holy Father’, will receive Leo XIV. Inside the Bernabéu, a stage has been installed from where the Pope will address the attendees, who will also be able to follow the event through the giant screens that will be in the stadium.”