Pérez re-elected Real Madrid president after historic vote

Florentino Pérez has been re-elected as president of Real Madrid following the club’s first contested presidential election in nearly two decades, securing a decisive victory over challenger Enrique Riquelme.

The 79-year-old won 65 percent of the vote, receiving 21,741 ballots compared to Riquelme’s 11,814 votes, according to the club’s electoral commission.

The election marked Real Madrid’s first contested presidential race since 2006, ending a long period during which Pérez had repeatedly been elected unopposed.

Speaking after the result was announced, Pérez thanked club members for their support and described the outcome as one of the strongest mandates in the club’s history.

“Today, Real Madrid won. We’ve shown an example of democracy to the world, and we will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning trophies”, he said.

Pérez’s victory follows a two-week campaign that began when he unexpectedly called elections after two seasons without a major trophy.

During the campaign, he promised ambitious plans for the club, including the return of José Mourinho as head coach and the signings of defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries.

He also revealed plans to pursue a major attacking star in a deal reportedly worth more than €150 million.

One of the most influential figures in football administration, Pérez first became Real Madrid president in 2000 after defeating Lorenzo Sanz.

A Spanish businessman and construction magnate, he transformed the club through his famous “Galácticos” project, which brought some of the world’s biggest football stars to Madrid.

His first presidency saw the arrivals of Portuguese star Luís Figo from Barcelona, French legend Zinedine Zidane, Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazário and England captain David Beckham.

Those signings elevated Real Madrid’s global profile and commercial power, helping establish the club as one of the most recognized sporting brands in the world.

After resigning in 2006, Pérez returned to the presidency in 2009 and launched a second era of success.

During this period, he oversaw the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, among many others.

Under Pérez’s leadership, Real Madrid has enjoyed unprecedented success both domestically and internationally.

The club has won seven UEFA Champions League titles and seven La Liga championships during his tenure, including European triumphs in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024.

Beyond trophies, Pérez has modernized the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, expanded Real Madrid’s global commercial reach and strengthened the club’s financial position.

With another term now secured, Pérez aims to guide Real Madrid into a new era while continuing the legacy that has made the club one of the most successful and influential football institutions in Spain, Europe and the world.