Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez demands that Luis de la Fuente not use Real Madrid players in the final against Portugal, and shortly after, Luis de la Fuente responds, leaving Pérez and the entire Real Madrid team speechless.

A major controversy erupted in the Spanish football community when Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez sent a shocking request to the Spanish team’s manager, Luis de la Fuente. Pérez asked De La Fuente not to use any Real Madrid players in the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal, scheduled for this weekend. This decision immediately sparked a wave of backlash, not only from fans but also from the team itself.

The reason behind Pérez’s request is believed to be related to the health and performance of Real Madrid’s players after a long season. With names like Vinícius Júor, Rodrygo, and Federico Valverde playing an important role in the Spanish team, the fact that eliminating them outside the final could seriously affect La Roja’s championship chances. Pérez, always protecting the club’s interests, said the players must rest in preparation for the new 2025/2026 season, especially as Real Madrid prepares to defend its Champions League title.

However, Luis de la Fuente’s reaction made things even more tense. Immediately after receiving the request, the Spanish coach responded with a brief but powerful statement: “Real Madrid did not decide for the team.” These nine words, released at this afternoon’s press conference, not only silenced Pérez but also Real Madrid’s leadership. De la Fuente’s response confirmed the national team’s autonomy and sent a clear message that he would not let pressure from the club dominate his decision.

Fans on social media were divided into two camps. One side supported De La Fuente’s stance, saying the national team should be at the top of their game, while the other criticized Pérez for lacking respect for the international spirit. The hashtag #Delafuentevspressz quickly rose to the top of Twitter trends, sparking thousands of fierce debates. Experts say this incident could damage the relationship between Real Madrid and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in the near future.

The final against Portugal, where Spain will face Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates, will be a huge test for De la Fuente. Keeping the Real Madrid players will be a historic decision. Meanwhile, Pérez could face the pressure of the club’s mainstays if his stars are unable to play. With just a few days until the match, both sides face a huge challenge, and this story promises to continue to stir public opinion around the world.