Florentino Perez has been re-elected as Real Madrid president for another four-year term, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the club's presidential election. Speaking to supporters after the result, Perez said: "We are going to keep working so that Real Madrid keeps winning more titles."
New Term Until 2030
The club has not yet released the official vote count, but Perez's new term will run until 2030. The victory strengthens Perez's plans for the future, with one of his key goals being the return of Jose Mourinho for a second spell as Real Madrid coach. Mourinho managed the club between 2010 and 2013 and was featured prominently during Perez's campaign. Perez said he was "proud that Jose Mourinho, one of the best coaches in the world, is set to return."
Squad Overhaul Planned
Perez has also promised major changes to the squad. He wants to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate and Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries, while also teasing another high-profile signing worth more than 150 million euros that is expected to be revealed this week.
Perez's Legacy and Challenges
The 79-year-old businessman has been one of the most influential figures in Real Madrid's history. During his two spells in charge, the club has won seven European Cups and become the world's most valuable football club. However, recent years have been challenging. Madrid has gone two seasons without winning a trophy despite signing star forward Kylian Mbappe, while Perez's proposed European Super League project failed to take off. He also faced criticism after suggesting the sale of 10% of the club to private investors.
Riquelme's Response
Although he lost, Enrique Riquelme accepted the result and congratulated Perez. However, the 37-year-old renewable energy executive made it clear he is not stepping away from club politics. "For us, this is not the end, this is the beginning," Riquelme said. "Real Madrid won't spend another 20 years without holding elections." Riquelme gained support from former Madrid stars including Raul Gonzalez, Fernando Hierro and Iker Casillas during his campaign. Around 98,000 club members were eligible to vote, with the election taking place at Madrid's basketball arena because the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is hosting events during Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain.
