Florentino Pérez: “Real Madrid it's a feeling and an attitude to life, it's a fundamental way of addressing problems and adversity."
He oversaw the graduation of the 18th class of the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea, mentored by Adidas CEO Björn Gulden.
Florentino Pérez headed the graduation ceremony for the 18th class of the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea, which saw 1,300 students get their diploma at the Santiago Bernabéu. Adidas CEO, Björn Gulden, was the class mentor. The event was also attended by Elena Gazapo, Chancellor of the Universidad Europea de Madrid; Pedro López Jiménez, vice-president of Real Madrid and head of the Governing Board of the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea; Simone Sato, dean of the Medicine, Health and Sport Faculty, at the Universidad Europea de Madrid; and Emilio Butragueño, Director General of the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea and Real Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations.
Florentino Pérez: “You have got here thanks to your hard work and talent”
“Welcome to the Santiago Bernabéu to celebrate this graduation ceremony of the eighteenth class of the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea. The last time we held this event our stadium was in 2019, five years ago now. First, the pandemic, then the development works, have prevented us from being able to enjoy this temple of football and world sport in this way. I would like to congratulate you on your graduation. You have got here thanks to your hard work and your talent. Since its inauguration in 2006, this school has always had a determined international vocation and you are a good example of this. In these 18 years, some 17,000 students have passed through our classrooms and, in this last year, 80% of you came from other countries. The Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea symbolises a blending of cultures and unity between peoples.”
Solid foundations of Real Madrid
“From this point, you will understand the values of an institution that, over the course of its 122 years of history, has come to be the most beloved and admired in the world. It's because Real Madrid's successes are based on solid, constant foundations. They are sacred principles that have marked the path to follow and have forged the legendary history of our club: hard work, effort, sacrifice, continuous improvement, camaraderie, humility, respect and solidarity.
“You have learned that Real Madrid is a feeling and an attitude to life, it's a fundamental way of addressing problems and adversity. We are a club that belongs to the hearts of the people, regardless of their origins, cultures, languages, ethnicities, religions or social condition.”
Thanks to the class mentor
“Dear Björn, thank you so much for being here with us, being the mentor for these new graduates. Your personal and professional career should serve as inspiration for these students who aspire to achieve success in their careers. Adidas and Real Madrid have formed a union that has become a success story driven by values. For more than three decades we have shared triumphs, hopes and emotions with all our fans.”
“Dear graduates: I reiterate our congratulations. Today you have taken a very important step towards your future. Always remember that whenever you encounter adversity, you can rely on the values that you have shared and that represent the Real Madrid DNA. Apply them to your lives and become better professionals and better people. Never give up and keep fighting to the end so all your dreams come true.”
Butragueño: “The future is in your hands”
“It's such a pleasure to welcome you here, to this magical place that means so much to our club and our fans. I'd like to thank all of you and your families for joining us in this prestigious event. Congratulations to the 1,300 students who have completed the various programs. Dear Björn, I want to thank you for accepting our invitation to be the mentor of this promotion. It is an honour that the CEO of one of the most prestigious companies worldwide is here with us today.”
“When we assess the path we have taken since the inception of the Graduate School, we feel great pride. It is a benchmark in the academic field and this graduation ceremony is proof of this. It's a source of immense satisfaction that our school has played such a significant role in making your dreams come true today. We trust that this year will be a turning point in your lives. The future is in your hands. You are prepared for it. It has been an honour for us and this is and forever will be your home. Thank you very much for your trust and I wish you the best for the future.”
Björn Gulden: “Don't be scared to make mistakes”
“You are the stars of the show today. Congratulations. Sport is so relevant throughout the world. You have completed a sports postgraduate degree, and a great future awaits you. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. People who have done great things have made various mistakes but they've learned from them to get better. All great teams, including Real Madrid, lose at times. But it's important that you never give up and keep your head up to try and win again. Some of you will most likely be working for Adidas in the future, the second most successful brand after Real Madrid."
Elena Gazapo: “Real Madrid and the Universidad Europea have shared values”
“This is a hugely special day, full of emotions that multiply when you step onto the pitch at this great stadium. My most sincere congratulations to you all. Real Madrid and the Universidad Europea share values that consolidate the most ambitious university project in the field of sports. Real Madrid is a benchmark in sporting management, an institution named after Santiago Bernabéu and Alfredo Di Stéfano. From the Blond Arrow's Real Madrid to the regal club of Florentino Pérez, whose leadership has overseen a professional transformation of the club and unmatched international prestige."
Special mentions
The award for best program went to the Master in Football Management, collected by its directors, Miguel Pardeza and David Viejo. The Communication and Sports Journalism Department also received a special mention for being the area to have contributed the most significant growth to the school. The accolade was picked up by two of the department heads, Antonio Galeano and Oussama Hammouch.