Madrid president Florentino Pérez takes first step in Major League Soccer

A man as ambitious and with as much fortune in his hands as Florentino Pérez continues to expand his power: he has now set foot in MLS (Major League Soccer, the American football league). He will do so through the construction company he presides over, ACS, as one of its subsidiaries, Turner Construction Company, will be in charge of building New York City FC's stadium, which must be ready in 2027, after the World Cup jointly organised by the United States with Canada and Mexico in 2026.

"We are honoured to be part of the team building the new home of NYCFC. The stadium will elevate the experience for this incredible team and its fans," said Turner vice president Charlie Whitney. The design of the stadium, which will be located in the borough of Queens and will have a capacity of 25,000, will be designed by US architectural firm HOK.

The construction of the stadium is part of a project to transform the industrial area of Willets Point, which includes the construction of affordable housing, parks, a hotel and shops. According to the authorities, it will create around 16,000 jobs.

The cost of building the stadium is estimated to be around $780 million (709 million euros). The entire cost of the operation will be covered by New York City CF. It is the first football stadium to be built in New York City.