Real Madrid Holds First Contested Presidential Election in 20 Years
On June 7, 2026, Real Madrid held its first contested presidential election in two decades, with incumbent Florentino Pérez facing challenger Enrique Riquelme. Despite disruptions from Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Madrid—causing road closures and public transport cuts—the club provided free shuttle buses from three districts to Valdebebas. Of 100,000 members, about 70,000 were eligible to vote, with turnout estimated up to 30,000. Voting ran from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with results expected around 11 p.m.
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Reporter Questions Why 35% Voted for Riquelme in Real Madrid Election
The Real Madrid presidential election results were announced on June 8, with Florentino Perez winning 65% of the vote and challenger Riquelme receiving 35%. In a Spanish Channel 6 football program, reporter Juanma expressed confusion over why nearly 30% of Real Madrid members voted for Riquelme, calling his promises 'illusory' and warning that his victory would be a disaster for the club. Juanma praised Florentino as one of the greatest presidents in Real Madrid history, tied with Santiago Bernabeu, and argued that even during a two-year championship drought, Riquelme's platform lacked substance. He noted that Florentino's position was strengthened by the election, as there was no real opposition, and suggested Riquelme's campaign was futile.
虎扑 - 足球Riquelme Congratulates Florentino on Real Madrid Presidential Election Victory
The Real Madrid presidential election results have been announced, with Florentino Pérez winning re-election as club chairman. Defeated candidate Riquelme issued a statement congratulating Florentino and all voting members. Riquelme emphasized that despite the loss, the election marks a significant new beginning for the club, stating that Real Madrid will not wait another 20 years for the next election. He expressed hope for more public debates in the future and stressed that member voices must be heard over the next four years. Riquelme concluded by thanking everyone involved in the campaign, framing the experience as positive for club democracy.
虎扑 - 足球Real Madrid Election: 1,000 Postal Ballots for Florentino Invalidated
According to Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Real Madrid's historic presidential election saw a record turnout of 70,000 members. Incumbent Florentino Pérez is expected to defeat challenger Enrique Riquelme, who garnered about 30% approval. During vote counting, 1,000 postal ballots were invalidated due to 'irregular format,' all of which were cast for Florentino. The final result is delayed until early morning. Florentino has promised to bring back coach José Mourinho, sign defenders Konate and Dumfries, and bid 150 million euros for Bayern Munich striker Olise. Riquelme framed the election as a referendum on the club's future sale. Former interim president Boruda emphasized the need for stability and funds.
虎扑 - 足球Real Madrid Presidential Election Descends into Chaos Over Vote Dispute
The Real Madrid presidential election, held on Sunday June 7, 2026, descended into chaos as candidate Enrique Riquelme contested over 1,000 votes, delaying the count. Initial polls had favored incumbent Florentino Pérez for re-election. Riquelme, who presented an ambitious project, alleged irregularities and instructed his team to monitor the process closely. He apologized to the media for the delays, stating that many polling stations remained open and that the vote counting process was at issue. The final results were expected overnight from Sunday to Monday. The election has sparked controversy, with reports of 400 ballots being invalidated for Pérez, adding to the tension.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertRiquelme Appeals 1,000 Mail-In Ballots in Real Madrid Presidential Election, Slowing Count
The Real Madrid presidential election vote counting has been delayed due to a dispute over mail-in ballots. Candidate Enrique Riquelme's campaign appealed approximately 1,000 mail-in ballots, questioning their legality. According to Florentino Perez's campaign, 400 ballots were deemed invalid due to formatting defects, and 600 are under individual review. The number of disputed ballots escalated from 400 to 1,000 within hours of polls closing. As of 23:15 local time, only 7 of 60 polling stations had completed counting. Riquelme's team prematurely claimed victory at some polling places. The election remains unresolved.
虎扑 - 足球Real Madrid: Big Controversy After Invalidation of 400 Ballots for Pérez
Tension is high in Madrid after 400 votes cast by email for Florentino Pérez were invalidated during Real Madrid's presidential election on June 7, 2026. The cancellation sparked controversy, as Pérez was expected to win re-election easily. According to Spanish media COPE, the invalidated ballots were for Pérez, while 100 votes for his rival Enrique Riquelme were also contested. Despite the last-minute cancellations, Pérez's camp remains confident, claiming he will win with over 65% of the vote, while Riquelme is projected to receive 34-36%. The final results were expected around 11:00 p.m. local time.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertFlorentino Perez Projected to Win Real Madrid Presidential Election with 65% of Vote
Exit poll data from multiple Spanish media sources projects Florentino Perez will be re-elected as president of Real Madrid with an estimated 65% of the vote. According to COPE, Perez leads with 64% against opponent Riquelme's 36%. Diario AS and Marca both report Perez at 66% and Riquelme at 34%. The data suggests a decisive victory for the incumbent president, who has led the club since 2000 (with a brief hiatus). The election results are based on exit polls conducted on election day, June 7, 2026.
The back page of the internet.Up to 400 Votes for Florentino Pérez Challenged in Real Madrid Election Due to Double Seal Infraction
Following the closure of polling stations at the Ciudad Deportiva de Valdebebas, it was reported that up to 400 votes cast by mail for Florentino Pérez's candidacy in the Real Madrid presidential election have been challenged. The challenge stems from a double seal on the ballots, which invalidates their validity. Pérez's own campaign acknowledged the issue, meaning those votes will not be counted. Additionally, Pérez's campaign has challenged approximately 100 votes for rival candidate Riquelme, according to Cadena Cope. The election results are expected to be announced before 11:00 PM CEST, with the next president of Real Madrid known before midnight.
FútbolRiquelme: I will reflect on the final result, but today’s victory belongs to Real Madrid
Real Madrid presidential candidate Riquelme addressed voters at a polling station, thanking members for historic participation in the election after 20 years. He stated that Real Madrid and his candidate team won the day regardless of the final outcome, emphasizing that dormant groups within Madridism have been given a voice. Riquelme expressed gratitude to all participants and noted that results would be available in approximately two hours. He concluded that the club's decision is positive for everyone, reflecting a unifying message despite the competitive election.
虎扑 - 足球Polls Close in Valdebebas; First Poll Gives Clear Winner in Real Madrid Election
On June 7, 2026, at 8:00 PM CEST, polls closed at Valdebebas Sports City for the Real Madrid presidential election. Over 25,000 members participated, surpassing turnout from the last election in 2006. The first exit poll indicated a clear victory for incumbent Florentino Pérez, who secured approximately 60% of the vote, while challenger Riquelme received around 30%. Pérez is expected to be re-elected until 2030, pending official confirmation. The article highlights high voter participation and positions Riquelme's result as a base for future elections.
FútbolReal Madrid Presidential Election 2026: Live Coverage of Final Voting Hours
This article provides live coverage of the final hours of the Real Madrid presidential election held on election day 2026, with candidates Florentino Pérez and Enrique Riquelme competing. Polls closed at 20:00 local time at Valdebebas Sports City, with a total census of 75,214 members. By 17:00, 23,593 members (31.37%) had voted. Polls showed Pérez leading with 65.8% support versus Riquelme's 34.2%, though Riquelme's internal data claimed over 45% at 16:00. Notable events included Emilio Butragueño voting, Riquelme offering slushies to journalists, and speculation that if Pérez wins, José Mourinho would become coach and target Bernardo Silva. The counting began at 20:00.
FútbolReal Madrid Presidential Elections Live: Florentino Pérez vs Enrique Riquelme
This article provides live coverage of the Real Madrid presidential elections held on June 7, 2026, with Florentino Pérez and Enrique Riquelme as the main candidates. The live blog includes updates on reactions, scrutiny, voting results, and participation figures. Published by Mundo Deportivo, a Spanish football news outlet, the coverage tracks the final hour of the election process. The article features images, journalist attribution, and a live blog identifier, indicating ongoing updates as results come in. The election determines the next president of Real Madrid, one of the world's most prominent football clubs.
FútbolRiquelme explains what happened in Valdebebas during Real Madrid elections
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in the Real Madrid presidential elections, spoke to the media from the Drive-In after spending hours at Valdebebas greeting members who came to vote. He clarified that he was not kicked out but was moved due to high demand for photos and conversations. Riquelme expressed happiness at voting after 20 years and noted renewed enthusiasm among members for his social project. He commented on nervousness regarding Real Madrid's financial accounts, describing them as 'stories' rather than proper accounts. He urged members to vote before 8 PM, emphasizing the importance of member participation after two decades without elections. The article captures his perspective on the election day atmosphere and the club's financial concerns.
FútbolReal Madrid Presidential Candidate Riquelme Highlights Financial Worries and Member Dissatisfaction
Real Madrid presidential candidate Riquelme made a final campaign stop at a Madrid drive-in cinema, urging members to vote in the club's election after a 20-year gap. He expressed excitement about the prospect of change and noted widespread concern among members about Real Madrid's financial situation. Riquelme called on dissatisfied members to exercise their right to vote, emphasizing that voting would continue until 8pm. He also recounted spending hours at the Valdebebas training base exit, interacting with members who came to take photos and discuss his proposals. Riquelme thanked those who voted and voiced hope that the election would bring the changes the club needs.
虎扑 - 足球Marca Exit Polls Show Florentino Perez Leads Real Madrid Presidential Election with Over 60% Support
Real Madrid held a historic presidential election on Sunday, the first contested race in 20 years, with incumbent Florentino Perez facing challenger Enrique Riquelme. According to Marca's exit polls updated hourly, Perez consistently received over 60% support, peaking at 66.53% at 12:00 and standing at 64.52% at 14:00, while Riquelme trailed with 35.48%. As of 13:00 local time, 12,651 members had voted, a turnout of 16.82%. Perez's campaign highlights his successful tenure transforming the club economically and competitively, while Riquelme advocates for a new era with stronger member involvement. Key voter concerns include the Bernabeu's future, recruitment strategy, club ownership, member roles, and sports planning. Polling stations close at 20:00, after which official counting will determine the next president.
虎扑 - 足球Former Real Madrid Player Miguel Torres Votes for Riquelme in Club Presidential Election
Real Madrid held a presidential election today. Former Real Madrid player Miguel Torres revealed in an interview that he voted for candidate Enrique Riquelme. Torres, a club member for 17 years, said it was his first time voting and described the day as historic. He expressed trust in Riquelme's campaign platform, stating it can bring greater development and returns to the club in the medium to long term. Torres also noted that many Madridistas are hopeful for the club's future and that former teammates would likely come to vote, emphasizing the courage needed to publicly support a candidate. The election marks a significant moment for the club's governance.
虎扑 - 足球Real Madrid Presidential Election: Riquelme Causes Congestion as Fans Seek Photos
During the Real Madrid presidential election held this morning at the Valdebebas base, candidate Enrique Riquelme caused a traffic jam after casting his vote. He was surrounded by a large number of club members requesting photos, leading the club to ask him to move inside the venue to avoid disrupting normal voting traffic. Meanwhile, current president Florentino Perez also spent a long time patiently signing autographs and taking photos with fans before leaving the training ground. The event highlights the high engagement of Real Madrid members during the election process.
虎扑 - 足球AS Poll Shows Florentino Leads Real Madrid Presidential Election with 61% Support
According to a poll by Spanish newspaper AS, Real Madrid presidential candidate Florentino Perez leads challenger Riquelme with 61% support among members who have voted in person at the Valdebebas polling station, compared to Riquelme's 39%. The poll does not include mail-in votes, where Florentino is expected to have a clear advantage. A total of 75,219 members are eligible to vote, and turnout is expected to set a new record, surpassing the 33,116 who voted in 2000. This is Florentino's fourth presidential election; he previously lost in 1995, won in 2000 and 2004. Riquelme's campaign has emphasized that high turnout is their only chance, as they are at a disadvantage on mail-in ballots. Both candidates voted this morning, with Florentino receiving a solemn reception and Riquelme facing mixed applause and boos. The final result remains uncertain pending the count of all votes.
虎扑 - 足球Real Madrid Presidential Election Participation Data Released at 1:00 p.m.
The Electoral Board of Real Madrid announced that as of 1:00 p.m. on June 7, 2026, a total of 12,651 members had voted in the elections for President and Board of Directors, representing a 16.82% participation rate. Voting is taking place at the Basketball Pavilion of Real Madrid City in Valdebebas, with polling stations open uninterrupted until 8:00 p.m. The first candidate to vote was Florentino Pérez at around 10:00 a.m., followed by Enrique Riquelme an hour later. Both candidates received significant support from members, with long queues and full parking lots reported. The article highlights high voter engagement early in the day.
FútbolReal Madrid Presidential Election Tight: Florentino Leads in Exit Poll
The AS exit poll for the Real Madrid presidential election shows a close race, with Florentino Pérez obtaining 61% of the votes and Enrique Riquelme 39%, though the vote-by-mail results are still pending and expected to favor Florentino. A total of 75,219 members are eligible to vote, and participation is expected to be high, potentially surpassing the record of 33,116 set in the 2000 elections against Lorenzo Sanz. This is Florentino's fourth appearance in Real Madrid elections; he lost in 1995, won in 2000 and 2004. Both candidates voted early on June 7, 2026, at Valdebebas. The in-person vote is seen as crucial for Riquelme to reverse the trend, given Florentino's predicted advantage in mail-in ballots.
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