Florentino Pérez has secured another term as president of Real Madrid after defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the club’s first contested presidential election in two decades.
The result, announced by the club in the early hours of Monday, followed a heated campaign during which both candidates made ambitious promises involving high-profile signings and managerial appointments. Pérez pledged to bring José Mourinho back as head coach, while Riquelme outlined plans involving former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
The victory gives Pérez the backing to advance a major proposal that would allow external investors to acquire a 5 per cent stake in Real Madrid. The club, which generated nearly €1.2 billion in revenue during the 2024-25 season, remains owned by approximately 100,000 members, known as socios.
Speaking after the election, Pérez sought to reassure supporters about the club’s ownership structure. He maintained that despite the proposed sale of a minority stake, which would still require approval from members, “Real Madrid will continue to belong to its socios”.
ALSO READ: Perez vs Riquelme: Presidential candidates launch opposing plans for Real Madrid future
The 79-year-old called the election amid increasing dissatisfaction among sections of the membership following a disappointing season that ended without silverware. The campaign unfolded against a backdrop of dressing-room tensions and a coaching change earlier in the year.
⚽ Football Scores & Standings
Premier League Scores | Premier League Table | Live Scores | League Tables
Addressing supporters after his victory, Pérez said the club would continue pursuing success on the European stage, particularly a sixteenth UEFA Champions League title. He also extended an olive branch to members who backed his opponent, saying: “I will listen to all your concerns and suggestions . . . We are going to be closer than ever to all our members.”
Riquelme, a 37-year-old entrepreneur in the renewable energy sector, centred much of his campaign on criticism of the club’s financial management. He argued that Real Madrid was facing a “serious financial crisis” due to excessive spending and alleged that Pérez intended to privatise the institution.
Although Riquelme’s proposed moves for Klopp and Haaland were viewed as unlikely, they added intrigue to the campaign and prompted Pérez to unveil his own transfer ambitions. Alongside his promise to reappoint Mourinho, Pérez announced plans to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté and Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries.
ALSO READ: Arne Slot turns down Fulham after leaving Liverpool
Following the announcement of the results, Riquelme accepted defeat but indicated that his movement would continue. “For us, this is not the end. It is the beginning. The club members will not go another 20 years without voting.”
Pérez first became president in 2000 when Real Madrid was struggling financially. He introduced the famous Galácticos strategy, bringing stars such as Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham to the club. Although he stepped down in 2006 after a period of underachievement on the pitch, he returned three years later and oversaw the arrivals of Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Under his leadership, Real Madrid went on to enjoy one of the most successful periods in its history, winning six Champions League trophies between 2014 and 2024.
Later on Monday, Pérez is expected to welcome Pope Leo to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where the pontiff is scheduled to address a large gathering.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
