Florentino Perez re-elected Real Madrid president in first vote in 20 years

Florentino Perez has been re-elected as Real Madrid president after defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the club's first contested presidential election in two decades.

The vote marked a significant departure from recent tradition—Perez had been returned unopposed in each of Madrid's previous five electoral cycles, held in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025. Around 100,000 club members were eligible to cast their ballots, with Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur, emerging as the sole challenger.

Why Was the Election Called?

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The election was called by Perez himself despite holding an active mandate until 2029. In a rare press conference on May 12, the 79-year-old took aim at what he described as forces working against him "in the shadows," claiming there was an organized campaign to remove him from office. The move was widely seen as a bid to shore up his authority following back-to-back seasons without a major trophy—the club's worst such run in recent memory.

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Perez's Presidential History

Perez is the longest-serving president in Real Madrid's history. He first assumed the role in 2000 before stepping down in 2006, when Ramón Calderón took over. He returned to the presidency in 2009 following Calderón's resignation and has held the position continuously since, making Sunday's poll the first time members had actually voted in 20 years.

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Mourinho Return and Galáctico Signings Promised

Ahead of the vote, Perez made a series of bold pledges contingent on his re-election. He announced the return of José Mourinho as head coach, confirmed the signings of Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, and promised to table a bid exceeding €150 million this Tuesday for an unnamed marquee attacking signing—billed as the next Galáctico arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu.