Real Madrid Holds First Presidential Election in 20 Years
Real Madrid will hold its first presidential election in two decades on June 7, 2026, with incumbent Florentino Pérez facing challenger Enrique Riquelme. Riquelme secured the required €193.7 million financial guarantee and has gained support from club legend Iker Casillas, who would take a management role if Riquelme wins. The election ends Pérez’s streak of automatic re-elections since 2006.
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Casillas Praises Riquelme's 35% Vote Share in Real Madrid Presidential Election
Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas publicly commented on the club's presidential election results, praising Enrique Riquelme for securing 35% of the vote in just two weeks of campaigning. Casillas called it an 'excellent campaign' and a significant result for the future, suggesting Riquelme could run again with more preparation. He also congratulated Florentino Perez on his re-election as president, urging the club to work hard for success. According to media reports, Casillas had joined Riquelme's campaign team and was expected to receive an important position if Riquelme won, though he did not publicly endorse him before the vote.
虎扑 - 足球Riquelme's message after losing Real Madrid elections: 'This is not the end, it is the beginning'
Enrique Riquelme, the defeated candidate in the Real Madrid presidential elections, released a video message on social media the day after his loss to Florentino Pérez. He called for unity among members and fans, stating that now is not the time to polarize but to close ranks around the club. Riquelme thanked his campaign team and supporters, noting that the support they received exceeded expectations. He emphasized that his proposals for sporting and social improvements, including greater democracy and transparency, remain available to the club. He concluded by saying the election result is not an end but a beginning, and that he will continue to defend the interests of Real Madrid members from a new position.
FútbolCasillas Congratulates Riquelme and Florentino Pérez After Real Madrid Presidential Election
Iker Casillas, former Real Madrid and Spain captain, congratulated candidate Enrique Riquelme on Monday for securing 35% of the vote in the Real Madrid presidential election, noting the achievement came after just two weeks of campaigning. Casillas praised the campaign and suggested Riquelme should work toward a future bid. He also congratulated Florentino Pérez on his re-election with 65% of the vote, urging him to work in the present to return to success. Casillas had been announced as part of Riquelme's project alongside other Real Madrid legends during the campaign.
FútbolEnrique Riquelme: Real Madrid Election Shows There Is an Alternative to Florentino Pérez
Enrique Riquelme, candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid, stated on Monday that the club's elections, won by incumbent Florentino Pérez with 65% of the vote (21,721 members) against Riquelme's 35% (11,814 members), demonstrated that there is a viable alternative to the current leadership. Riquelme, a 37-year-old Alicante businessman and president of energy company Cox, vowed to continue representing members who oppose selling part of the club. He emphasized that his campaign, born from hope, gathered thousands of members in weeks and achieved significant support, asserting that a different way of building and listening to members is possible. Riquelme concluded that the election marks the beginning of a more important phase and that he will remain the voice for those who believe Real Madrid should remain member-owned.
FútbolRiquelme Emerges as First Real Madrid Presidential Rival in 22 Years, But Florentino Pérez Wins Re-election
Real Madrid members voted on June 8, 2026, re-electing Florentino Pérez as president until 2030. Pérez defeated Enrique Riquelme, a businessman and founder of energy group Cox, who became the first candidate to challenge Pérez in 22 years. Riquelme, previously unknown to most fans, gathered the required endorsements and posted a €193.7 million guarantee. His campaign promised fee reductions, new season tickets, and the appointment of club legends Raúl, Hierro, Del Bosque, and Casillas, along with signing Erling Haaland and appointing Jürgen Klopp as coach. However, Pérez's campaign offered more concrete certainties, including signings like Mourinho, Dumfries, and Konaté, and a €150 million signing promise. The election marks the end of Pérez's long unopposed tenure and establishes Riquelme as a future opposition figure.
FútbolFlorentino Pérez wins Real Madrid presidential election, paving way for Mourinho appointment
Florentino Pérez has won Real Madrid's first contested presidential election in 20 years, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme. The victory, with 75,219 members voting, was delayed after Riquelme challenged around 1,000 postal votes, of which over 400 were struck off. Pérez, president for 23 years across two spells, now has a mandate to sell 5% of the club and pursue structural changes. The win clears the way for José Mourinho to be formally announced as manager on Monday, with Real Madrid paying Benfica a €15m release fee. Pérez also promised a bid of at least €150m for an unnamed 'galactico', understood to be Michael Olise. Riquelme, an energy millionaire, had campaigned against Pérez's 'privatisation' plans and said he would have appointed Raúl as sporting director and attempted to hire Jürgen Klopp. The election was called unexpectedly by Pérez in May, giving Riquelme only 10 days to build a candidacy and secure a €178m bank guarantee.
Football | The GuardianEnrique Riquelme Speaks After Real Madrid Election Defeat: 'This Is Not the End, It Is the Beginning'
Enrique Riquelme, defeated candidate in the Real Madrid presidential election by Florentino Pérez, spoke after the polls closed, expressing satisfaction and determination for the future. He congratulated Pérez but declared the result a beginning, not an end. Riquelme claimed his campaign had prevented the sale of the club and given a voice to previously silent members. He vowed to continue his political involvement, stating that members would not go 20 years without voting again. Earlier in the day, after casting his vote, he emphasized his commitment to stopping the club's sale and building a professional, exciting project.
FútbolFlorentino Perez Re-elected Real Madrid President After First Member Vote in 20 Years
Florentino Perez, 79, has been re-elected as Real Madrid president after defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the club's first contested member vote in two decades. Perez, who had been elected unopposed in five previous cycles since 2009, called a snap election despite holding a mandate until 2029. The vote followed a second consecutive trophy-less season and came amid controversy over Perez's plan to sell part of the club to an external investor. Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur, campaigned against the sale and received support from club legends Raul, Fernando Hierro, and Iker Casillas. Perez's victory grants him a new four-year term, but analysts note his standing has not improved, and success in the 2026-27 season—including the rehiring of Jose Mourinho as coach—will be critical to quelling discontent.
Soccer - The AthleticFlorentino Perez Re-elected Real Madrid President After First Member Vote in 20 Years
Florentino Perez has been re-elected as Real Madrid president with 65% of the vote, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the club's first contested member election in 20 years. Perez, 79, called the snap election despite having a mandate until 2029, seeking a show of support after two trophy-less seasons. Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur, campaigned against Perez's plans for external investment, warning it could lead to the sale of the member-owned club. Perez, who is also chairman of ACS Group, has been in office since 2009 (and previously from 2000-2006), making him the longest-serving president in Real Madrid history. He announced the return of manager Jose Mourinho and vowed to continue working for the club's members. Around 100,000 members were eligible to vote in the election.
Soccer - The AthleticFlorentino Perez Re-elected Real Madrid President After First Member Vote in 20 Years
Florentino Perez has been re-elected as Real Madrid president, winning 65% of the vote in the club's first contested member election in 20 years. The 79-year-old incumbent defeated challenger Enrique Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur. Perez called the election despite having an active mandate until 2029, following the club's second consecutive season without a major trophy. In a May 12 press conference, he accused rivals of operating 'in the shadows.' Riquelme campaigned against Perez's plans to seek external investment, warning that the club's member-owned model was at risk. Perez, who is also chairman of ACS Group, has been Real Madrid's longest-serving president, holding the position since 2009 after an earlier term from 2000 to 2006. He announced that Jose Mourinho is returning as manager. Around 100,000 club members were eligible to vote. Real Madrid is one of four member-owned clubs in Spain.
Soccer - The AthleticRiquelme: Our Campaign Won Today Regardless of Real Madrid Election Result
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in the Real Madrid presidential elections, addressed the media at the Madrid Drive-In Cinema on election day, June 7, 2026. Speaking before the final result was known, Riquelme declared that his campaign had already won, regardless of the outcome, and that a previously inactive part of the Real Madrid fanbase now has a voice. He did not provide clear details about his future plans but emphasized that he will continue forward, stating that the Real Madrid fans have made their decision. The article, published by Mundo Deportivo, covers Riquelme's post-election comments and his defiant stance.
FútbolReal Madrid Presidential Election: Florentino Perez vs. Enrique Riquelme Voting Results Live
On June 7, 2026, Real Madrid members are voting to elect the club's new president. The election features two candidates: incumbent Florentino Perez, who called the election to address criticism after a trophy-less season, and challenger Enrique Riquelme, who has attacked Perez's financial management, claiming the club squandered over 770 million euros. Voting opened at 9 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. local time. RMC Sport is providing live commentary on the results. The election is seen as a pivotal moment in the club's history, with Perez seeking re-election despite recent controversies and Riquelme offering ambitious promises for change.
Home Football - actualitésReal Madrid: Florentino Pérez Leads Presidential Election at Midday
On June 7, 2026, Real Madrid members are voting for their next president. The two candidates are incumbent Florentino Pérez and outsider Enrique Riquelme, who ran an aggressive campaign promising to sign Erling Haaland if elected. According to a survey by Marca, at 2 p.m., 64.52% of voters had cast ballots for Pérez, while 35.48% supported Riquelme. The provisional result for Riquelme is considered higher than expected. Polling stations close at 8 p.m., with the final verdict expected later this evening.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertReal Madrid Candidate Riquelme Confirms Klopp as Chosen Coach
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in the upcoming Real Madrid presidential elections, has confirmed that Jürgen Klopp is the name chosen to coach the club if he wins. In an extensive statement, Riquelme said that if the partners give him their trust on Sunday, next Monday, June 8, Raúl González Blanco will contact Klopp—currently football director of the Red Bull group—to personally convey the sporting project and desire for him to lead a new era from the bench. Riquelme stated this decision aligns with the feelings of thousands of partners and Madrid fans he has spoken with during his campaign. The announcement comes amid ongoing elections where Riquelme is competing with current president Florentino Pérez.
RecordRiquelme: I'm really worried about Real Madrid's financial situation, it needs to change
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in the Real Madrid presidential election, expressed deep concern over the club's financial situation after casting his vote. He warned that the election is a 'referendum' and that without change, Real Madrid could be sold within 20 years due to neglect of members. Riquelme reiterated his commitment to preventing the sale of the club, which he called the 'first red line,' and to creating a professional, transparent, and democratic project. He emphasized the need to build on the club's legacy while reforming governance, transparency, and financial management. Riquelme urged members to vote and promised to fulfill all his campaign pledges at social, sporting, institutional, and financial levels.
虎扑 - 足球Real Madrid Elections Live: Florentino Pérez vs Enrique Riquelme
This live blog from Mundo Deportivo covers the Real Madrid presidential elections held on June 7, 2026. The main contenders are incumbent Florentino Pérez and challenger Enrique Riquelme. The article provides real-time updates on reactions, vote counts, and breaking news throughout the election day. It includes a live feed with timestamped entries, allowing readers to follow the electoral process as it unfolds. The election is a significant event for the club, determining its leadership and future direction. The blog captures the atmosphere, key moments, and stakeholder responses, offering comprehensive coverage of the democratic process within one of the world's most prominent football clubs.
FútbolRiquelme: Real Madrid Election Is a Referendum on Club's Future
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in the Real Madrid presidential elections, spoke to media after voting at Valdebebas. He characterized the election as a 'referendum' on the club's future, warning that without member participation, it could be the last election for Real Madrid as currently known. Riquelme emphasized his campaign's commitment to stopping the sale of the club, restoring transparency, and putting members at the center after 20 years of neglect. He expressed concern over the club's financial situation and promised a professional, serious, and exciting project. He thanked members and media for coverage, urging all members to vote.
FútbolFlorentino Pérez Votes in Key Real Madrid Presidential Election
On June 7, 2026, Real Madrid held presidential elections with over 70,000 members eligible to vote. Incumbent president Florentino Pérez, seeking his eighth term overall and sixth consecutive since 2009, cast his ballot at the Real Madrid City basketball pavilion in Valdebebas shortly after polls opened at 9:00 a.m. He is challenged by Enrique Riquelme. Participation was reported as high from the start in what the article describes as decisive elections for the club's future. The election determines the leadership of one of the world's most prominent football clubs.
FútbolReal Madrid Presidential Elections: 70,000 Members Vote as Benfica and Mourinho Watch Closely
Real Madrid is holding presidential elections for the first time in 20 years, with around 70,000 eligible members voting at Valdebebas due to Pope Leo XIV's presence in Madrid. Incumbent Florentino Pérez faces challenger Enrique Riquelme. The outcome has direct implications for Benfica, as Pérez's victory would trigger a €15 million payment to release coach José Mourinho, who appeared in a campaign video for Pérez. Benfica has reportedly planned to appoint Marco Silva as Mourinho's replacement. If Riquelme wins, he intends to hire Jürgen Klopp, though Klopp's manager has publicly denied interest. Voting runs from 9 AM to 8 PM local time, with results expected between 9 PM and 10 PM.
RecordFlorentino Pérez: Mourinho's Return and a New Galáctico
Florentino Pérez closed his Real Madrid presidential election campaign with an aggressive speech attacking his rival Riquelme. He criticized Riquelme's background, promises to sign Haaland and Klopp, and appearance on El Hormiguero. Pérez defended his proposed corporate model change as giving real ownership to members, not privatizing the club. He officially announced José Mourinho's return as coach for his next term, and revealed a new Galáctico signing: Olise, costing at least 150 million euros. Pérez also promised to replace thousands of withdrawn member allowances and give each member an exclusive annual t-shirt, while rejecting Riquelme's idea of a Ciudad del Socio in favor of a Silicon Valley-style technology district. The article notes Pérez spent heavily on media during the campaign.
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