Florentino Pérez Re-Elected Real Madrid President in First Contested Vote Since 2006

Florentino Pérez has been re-elected president of Real Madrid for a new four-year term running through 2030, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the club’s first contested presidential election since 2006.

Official results released by the club on June 8 showed Pérez, 79, receiving approximately 65 percent of the vote to Riquelme’s 35 percent, out of 33,555 ballots cast by eligible socios at the Valdebebas training complex the previous day.

Roughly 95,000 members were eligible to vote. Exit polls broadcast overnight by major Spanish media outlets aligned closely with the final tally: COPE reported 64.19 percent to 35.81 percent, MARCA 65.95 percent to 34.05 percent, and Diario AS 66 percent to 34 percent. Pérez carried every polling station and every age group, a result he described in his acceptance speech as the second-strongest in the club’s electoral history, behind only his unopposed 2004 victory.

In a video posted shortly after midnight on the club’s official X account, Pérez addressed supporters and the roughly one-third of voters who backed his opponent. Speaking from a hotel near the newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu, he thanked voters for their support and noted the outcome’s significance for the institution.

“This has been a great day for Real Madrid,” he said. “We have won at every electoral table, across all age groups. We have achieved the second-best result in Real Madrid’s history of elections.” He also pointed to nearly 1,000 notarized mail-in ballots cast for him that were annulled on procedural grounds, adding that the club intends to appeal the decision.

Pérez framed the election as a demonstration of the club’s values. “Real Madrid has won,” he said. “We have set an example to the world of democracy, transparency, and coexistence. We have shown that we are a big family that loves Real Madrid and that we are prepared for the future.”

He repeatedly stressed the club’s independence, saying, “This is the Real Madrid we all want: an independent Real Madrid. A Real Madrid unafraid of challenges.” To those who voted against him, he extended a direct commitment: “To those who did not vote for me, I will do everything possible to address your concerns and demands.”

The re-election extends a presidency that began in 2000, with a second continuous stint since 2009. During that time Real Madrid has collected more than 66 major trophies, including several Champions League titles. Pérez’s early “Galácticos” policy transformed the club’s global profile, while the more than €1 billion renovation of the Santiago Bernabéu has turned the stadium into one of the world’s most advanced venues and a significant revenue generator, helping make Real Madrid the richest and most valuable club in football.

Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur and club member, mounted the first serious challenge in two decades. His campaign focused on aspects of the club’s financial management and promised high-profile signings, including Erling Haaland and Rodri, along with the possible appointment of Jürgen Klopp as manager. The bid energized younger socios and reflected dissatisfaction after two seasons without major silverware, but it fell short against Pérez’s established record and broad institutional backing. Riquelme conceded defeat shortly before the official results were announced.

In his speech, Pérez confirmed the imminent return of José Mourinho as a coach for the club. He also reiterated plans to pursue top talent and chase a 16th European Cup. “We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the sixteenth European Cup,” he said. The renovated Bernabéu was highlighted as a central element of the coming cycle.

Observers following the vote noted that while the 65-35 margin reflects strong continuity, the 35 percent share for Riquelme marks the largest protest vote in 20 years. It signals that a notable portion of the membership is seeking faster evolution amid recent domestic and European setbacks. Still, the outcome preserves stability at a key moment: the stadium is fully operational as a commercial asset, the core squad remains intact, and the member-owned structure Pérez defended in his remarks stays unchanged.

With the ballots now counted, attention returns to the pitch. Pérez’s new term begins with a clear mandate, the expected arrival of Mourinho, ambitious transfer plans already signaled before the vote (including a reported club-record €150 million bid for a marquee player) and the ongoing pursuit of La Liga and Champions League success.