Florentino Perez will remain Real Madrid president after winning the club’s first contested election in 20 years. The 79-year-old secured 21,741 votes, equal to 65% of the total, while challenger Enrique Riquelme received 11,814 votes, or 35%, according to the club’s electoral commission.
The election marked the first presidential vote involving more than one candidate since 2006. Perez had previously secured the presidency unopposed in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2025.
Perez declared victory during a speech in Madrid and thanked club members for their support.
“We’ve obtained the second-best result in the history of Real Madrid elections. It’s an extraordinary result. Today, Real Madrid won. We’ve shown an example of democracy to the world. We’ll keep working for Real Madrid to keep winning trophies,” Perez said.
The result extends one of the longest and most successful presidencies in European football. Perez first won the role in 2000, stepped down in 2006 and returned in 2009. During his time in charge, Real Madrid have won seven UEFA Champions League titles and seven La Liga crowns.
The election arrived after a difficult period on the pitch. Perez called the vote despite having time left on his mandate, seeking backing from members after two seasons without a major trophy.
Riquelme accepted defeat after running the first serious challenge to Perez’s leadership in two decades. The businessman built his campaign around opposition to proposals that could change the club’s ownership structure and promised major sporting changes if elected.
Perez now begins another term with several major decisions ahead. He has already outlined plans for squad investment and wider structural reforms at the club. Reports in Spain also indicate that managerial and transfer announcements could follow in the coming weeks.
The victory keeps Perez at the helm of one of football’s most powerful institutions and ensures continuity at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid prepare for the 2026-27 season.
