Florentino Pérez has been re-elected as Real Madrid president following the club’s first contested presidential election in nearly 20 years.
Pérez secured 65 percent of the vote with 21,741 ballots, while his challenger, Enrique Riquelme, received 35 percent with 11,814 votes, according to the club’s electoral commission.
Speaking after the result was announced, Pérez thanked members for their support and described the outcome as one of the best election results in the club’s history. He said Real Madrid would continue working towards winning more trophies and achieving greater success.
The 79-year-old has led Real Madrid since 2009, having previously served as president between 2000 and 2006. During his time in charge, the club has won seven UEFA Champions League titles and seven La Liga championships.
The election followed a two-week campaign after Pérez unexpectedly called for a vote following two seasons without a major trophy. It was the first contested election since 2006, as Pérez had previously been elected unopposed on several occasions.
During the campaign, Pérez announced plans to bring back José Mourinho as head coach and revealed the club’s intention to sign defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries. He also promised to pursue a major attacking signing this summer.
Riquelme, a 37-year-old businessman, congratulated Pérez on his victory and thanked club members who participated in the election. He reiterated his opposition to any plans to sell part of the club, insisting that Real Madrid should remain fully owned by its members.
Pérez has also proposed changes to the club’s ownership structure, including the sale of a five percent stake to an external investor, a move that would require approval from members in a future vote.
