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Enrique Riquelme has officially challenged Florentino Perez for the Real Madrid presidency, setting up the club’s first contested election in over 20 years.
Does Perez finally have a challenger for the Real Madrid throne? (X)
For the first time in more than two decades, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez finally has a challenger.
Renewable energy tycoon Enrique Riquelme officially confirmed on Saturday that he will run for the presidency of the Spanish giants, setting up what could become the club’s most significant election battle in years.
Riquelme personally submitted his candidacy documents at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex and immediately positioned his campaign as a push for change at one of football’s most powerful institutions.
“We are facing a historical moment in Real Madrid’s history: for the first time in 20 years, the Real Madrid fans will be able to vote and choose their next president,” Riquelme said.
“We are confident in the amazing project we will propose for the future of the club and I urge the fans to listen to us kindly and give us a chance to build a better future for our great club.”
The club’s Electoral Commission is expected to review his documentation on Sunday. If approved, his candidacy will be made official and an election date, reportedly June 7, will be confirmed.
Perez Under Pressure After Trophyless Season
Perez, now 79, surprisingly called elections earlier this month despite still having two years remaining in his mandate.
The move followed a deeply disappointing campaign for Madrid, who finished a second consecutive season without major silverware while rivals Barcelona retained the La Liga title.
Even before Riquelme formally entered the race, the campaign atmosphere had already begun heating up.
Perez unveiled a massive banner in central Madrid celebrating the seven Champions League titles won during his presidency alongside the slogan: “So much history yet to be made.”
A Difficult Race To Enter
Running for Real Madrid president is notoriously difficult.
Candidates must be Spanish citizens, hold club membership for at least 20 years and provide a personal bank guarantee worth 15% of the club’s annual budget.
For the 2025-26 season, that figure stands at a staggering €187.2 million, based on Madrid’s record €1.248 billion budget.
According to reports, Riquelme secured the guarantee through Catalonia-based Andbank.
Perez, meanwhile, remains one of the most influential figures in world football. Since first winning office in 2000, he has overseen multiple Galactico eras and helped Madrid become the richest club in the sport.
But after years of unopposed elections, the Bernabeu is finally set for a genuine political contest.
(with Reuters inputs)
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