Florentino Perez has officially secured another term as Real Madrid president after winning a landmark election that marked a significant moment in the club’s modern history. For the first time in two decades, Real Madrid members were given a genuine choice at the ballot box, with more than one candidate contesting the presidency.
The election, held on Sunday, attracted widespread attention from supporters, media outlets, and football observers around the world. Perez emerged victorious against challenger Enrique Riquelme, reinforcing his position as one of the most influential figures in the history of the Spanish giants.
According to the club’s official electoral commission, Perez received 21,741 votes, accounting for approximately 65 percent of the total ballots cast. Riquelme collected 11,814 votes, representing around 35 percent of the vote.
The convincing result ensures that Perez will continue leading Los Blancos as the club prepares for a new era both on and off the pitch.
Perez Celebrates Strong Mandate from Real Madrid Members
Following the announcement of the final results, celebrations broke out among Perez’s supporters. Speaking during his victory address at a hotel near the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the 79-year-old executive expressed gratitude for the strong turnout and enthusiasm shown by club members.
Perez highlighted the importance of the election process, describing it as a demonstration of democratic values within one of the world’s most prestigious football institutions.
“We have achieved the second-best electoral result in the history of Real Madrid,” Perez said.
“This is an extraordinary outcome. Today, Real Madrid is the true winner. We have shown the world an example of democracy in action.”
He also pledged to continue working tirelessly to ensure that Real Madrid remains competitive at the highest levels of both Spanish and European football.
The First Competitive Election in 20 Years
This presidential race was particularly noteworthy because it ended a lengthy period without electoral competition at the club.
The last time Real Madrid members voted between multiple candidates was in 2006. Since then, Perez had been re-elected unopposed in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025, effectively retaining control without facing a formal challenger.
Many observers were surprised when Perez himself approved the organization of a competitive election following two consecutive seasons in which Real Madrid failed to win a major trophy.
Analysts believe the decision was intended not only to renew his mandate but also to gauge the level of confidence and support among the club’s membership during a period of transition.
The result ultimately demonstrated that a significant majority of Madridistas still trust Perez to guide the club forward.
The Man Who Changed Real Madrid Forever
Perez’s connection with Real Madrid stretches back more than two decades.
He first won the presidency in 2000, defeating then-president Lorenzo Sanz in a campaign that quickly became legendary in football history.
One of Perez’s most memorable promises during that campaign was the signing of Luis Figo from fierce rivals Barcelona. Many considered the promise unrealistic at the time, but Perez delivered, completing one of the most controversial and influential transfers ever seen in world football.
The signing of Figo marked the beginning of the famous Galacticos era, a project designed to bring the biggest stars in football to Madrid.
Over the following years, Perez assembled a collection of global superstars that included:
- Zinedine Zidane
- Ronaldo Nazario
- David Beckham
- Michael Owen
- Roberto Carlos
- Raul Gonzalez
The strategy transformed Real Madrid into not only a football powerhouse but also one of the strongest sports brands in the world.
Building a Modern Football Empire
Although Perez stepped down in 2006, his absence was relatively short-lived.
In 2009, following the resignation of Ramon Calderon, he returned to the presidency and immediately launched another ambitious rebuilding project.
His second spell in charge has arguably been even more successful than the first.
Under Perez’s leadership, Real Madrid has enjoyed one of the most dominant periods in its history, winning:
- 7 UEFA Champions League titles
- 7 La Liga championships
- Multiple FIFA Club World Cups
- Several UEFA Super Cups
- Numerous domestic trophies
The club has also completed a massive renovation of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, turning it into one of the most technologically advanced sporting venues in the world.
These achievements have cemented Perez’s reputation as one of the most successful and influential presidents ever to lead a football club.
Ambitious Promises for the Future
During the election campaign, Perez unveiled several ambitious proposals aimed at securing support from Real Madrid members.
Among the most eye-catching announcements was his pledge to bring Jose Mourinho back to the club as head coach if re-elected.
The Portuguese manager remains a popular figure among sections of the fanbase despite leaving Madrid years ago.
Perez also revealed plans to strengthen the squad through major transfer investments.
According to his campaign platform, Real Madrid is targeting:
- Ibrahima Konate
- Denzel Dumfries
In addition, Perez claimed the club is preparing a bid worth more than €150 million for a world-class attacking star whose identity has not yet been disclosed.
The announcement immediately sparked speculation across Europe, with several elite forwards being linked to a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Riquelme Offered a Different Vision
Despite ultimately losing the election, challenger Enrique Riquelme managed to attract significant support from members seeking change.
At just 37 years old, the businessman represented a younger generation of leadership and campaigned on a platform focused on innovation and modernization.
Among his headline promises were:
- Appointing Jurgen Klopp as head coach
- Signing Erling Haaland
- Bringing Rodri to Real Madrid
Although his proposals generated excitement among some supporters, they were not enough to overcome Perez’s legacy and established influence within the club.
Following the election result, Riquelme accepted defeat gracefully and publicly congratulated Perez on his victory.
Debate Over Real Madrid’s Ownership Structure
One of the most discussed topics during the campaign concerned the future ownership model of Real Madrid.
Perez has previously expressed interest in modifying the club’s structure by selling approximately 5 percent of its shares to external investors.
Supporters of the proposal argue that additional investment could help Real Madrid remain financially competitive in an era where state-backed clubs and billionaire-owned teams continue to increase spending.
However, critics fear that outside ownership could threaten the club’s traditional member-controlled model.
Riquelme was among the strongest opponents of the plan and repeatedly promised to protect the club’s current structure.
Any proposed ownership changes would still require approval from Real Madrid members through a separate vote in the future.
A New Chapter Begins for Real Madrid
With another decisive election victory behind him, Florentino Perez now begins a new chapter at the helm of Real Madrid.
The club faces major challenges ahead, including rebuilding a squad capable of dominating Europe once again, managing the transition between generations of players, and maintaining financial strength in an increasingly competitive football landscape.
Yet after receiving a powerful mandate from the membership, Perez enters his new term with renewed authority and a clear objective: to ensure that Real Madrid remains the benchmark of excellence in world football for years to come.
As Los Blancos look toward the future, one thing is certain—Florentino Perez continues to be the central figure shaping the direction of the most successful club in European football history.
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