Florentino Pérez has been re-elected president of Real Madrid following the club’s first contested presidential election in two decades.
The 79-year-old secured a convincing victory over businessman Enrique Riquelme, winning 65 per cent of the vote in an election widely viewed as a referendum on his leadership after two seasons without a major trophy.
Speaking at a hotel near the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium after the result was confirmed, Pérez hailed the outcome as a triumph for both the club and its democratic process.
“We have obtained the second-best result in the history of Real Madrid elections,” Pérez said.
“It is an extraordinary result. Today, Real Madrid won. We have shown an example of democracy to the world. We will continue working to ensure Real Madrid keeps winning trophies. I want to thank everyone who participated. Together, we still have a lot of history to make.”
ESPN reports that Pérez received 21,741 votes, representing 65 per cent of ballots cast, while Riquelme secured 11,814 votes, accounting for 35 per cent.
The election marked the first time since 2006 that Real Madrid members had been presented with more than one candidate. Pérez had previously been elected unopposed in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2025.
Pérez has served as Real Madrid president since 2009, having also held the role between 2000 and 2006. During his tenure, the club has enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its history, winning seven UEFA Champions League titles and seven La Liga crowns.
His latest victory follows a two-week election campaign triggered by his surprise decision to call a vote and seek a renewed mandate from club members.
As part of his campaign, Pérez announced plans to bring back José Mourinho as head coach should he win re-election. He also revealed agreements to sign Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, while pledging to submit a bid worth more than €150 million for an unnamed marquee attacking player.
Riquelme, 37, campaigned on a platform of change, promising to appoint Jürgen Klopp as manager and pursue high-profile signings including Erling Haaland and Rodri from Manchester City.
Despite his defeat, Riquelme thanked supporters and reiterated his opposition to any changes to the club’s ownership model.
“I want to congratulate Florentino Pérez and his candidacy on their victory,” Riquelme said.
“I also want to thank all the members who listened to our message and understood the importance of voting after 20 years. Our red line has always been opposition to the sale of the club. We know that Real Madrid is not for sale.”
Pérez first rose to power in 2000 after defeating Lorenzo Sanz in an election campaign boosted by his promise to sign Portuguese star Luís Figo from rivals FC Barcelona.
He subsequently ushered in the club’s famous “Galácticos” era by recruiting some of football’s biggest names, including Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário and David Beckham.
Although he resigned in 2006 following a disappointing spell on the pitch, Pérez returned to office in 2009 after the resignation of Ramón Calderón and oversaw another golden era, highlighted by Champions League triumphs in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Looking ahead, Pérez has indicated that one of his major objectives will be to pursue reforms to the club’s ownership structure. Any proposal would require approval from members and could include the sale of a five per cent stake to an external investor.
With another electoral mandate secured, Pérez now begins a fresh chapter at the helm of Real Madrid, aiming to restore the club to the summit of European football and continue one of the most influential presidencies in the sport’s history.
