Florentino Pérez has been re-elected as president of Real Madrid after defeating his rival Enrique Riquelme in the club’s election held on Sunday at Valdebebas. Pérez secured 21,741 votes, representing 65 per cent of the valid ballots cast.
Riquelme received 11,814 votes, accounting for 35 per cent of the total vote. As a result, Pérez has been elected for another four-year term, extending his presidency until 2030.
Throughout the voting process on Sunday, which took place over the course of the day at Valdebebas, media reports and exit polls had consistently indicated Pérez’s advantage. The outcome was therefore widely anticipated before the final count was confirmed.
Election Results
| Candidate | Votes Received | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Florentino Pérez | 21,741 | 65% |
| Enrique Riquelme | 11,814 | 35% |
Pérez has been a dominant figure in Real Madrid’s leadership structure for much of the period since 2000, with the exception of a brief spell between 2006 and 2009. His first presidential bid came in 1995, when he was defeated by Ramón Mendoza. He was later elected president in 2000 after defeating Lorenzo Sanz, securing 55 per cent of the vote in that election.
In 2004, Pérez was re-elected with a significantly larger margin, reportedly receiving more than 90 per cent of the vote, reflecting overwhelming support at the time. In 2009, following the resignation of Ramón Calderón, he returned to the presidency unopposed.
Subsequent election cycles in 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2025 saw no challengers, meaning Pérez was re-elected without contest. The latest vote therefore marked the first genuinely competitive presidential election he has faced since returning to the role in 2009.
During the campaign period, initial exchanges between Pérez and Riquelme were characterised by mutual respect. However, the atmosphere became increasingly tense as the election progressed, with both sides exchanging criticisms and engaging in competing narratives regarding future plans for the club, including proposals linked to potential signings.
Despite the intensifying contest, Pérez ultimately emerged victorious, securing a clear majority of the vote.
It is also noted that although his current mandate was originally due to run until 2029, Pérez called for the election approximately one month earlier, announcing the decision on 12 May. This move followed concerns surrounding on-field performance and issues related to the club’s broader public image.