.png)
Florentino Pérez will remain at the helm of Real Madrid after winning the club's presidential election, securing a new term that will keep him in office until 2030.
The veteran club chief celebrated the victory during an address to supporters, highlighting both the scale of his electoral success and his commitment to the club's future ambitions.
“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles. We have won at all the polling stations and achieved the second-best result in the history of Real Madrid elections. The first was also achieved by us in 2004. It is an extraordinary result. And I must tell you that it could have been better because nearly a thousand mail-in votes were annulled, votes certified by a notary, due to procedural issues that we will appeal, as we believe we are in the right.”
Pérez's victory came in Real Madrid's first contested presidential election since 2006, ending two decades of largely uncontested leadership at the Spanish giants. His challenger, businessman Enrique Riquelme, conceded defeat after the results were announced.
Addressing members after the vote, Pérez reaffirmed his determination to continue leading the club and pursuing further success on the pitch.
“I am still here, and I am here to defend Real Madrid. We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the sixteenth European Cup. You have demonstrated your commitment and loyalty to the club. Real Madrid has won. We have set an example to the world of democracy, transparency, and coexistence. We have shown that we are a big family, that we love Real Madrid, and that we are prepared for the future.”
The 79-year-old has served as president since 2009, having previously held the position between 2000 and 2006. During his leadership, Real Madrid have enjoyed one of the most successful eras in club history, collecting seven UEFA Champions League trophies and seven LaLiga titles.
Reflecting on the election process, Pérez praised the participation of club members and emphasized the importance of maintaining the club's independence.
“As the president of Real Madrid, I am very proud of all of you. It has been a brilliant electoral day, where the members have freely expressed themselves to decide the destiny of the greatest club in history. This is the Real Madrid we all want. An independent Real Madrid. A Real Madrid unafraid of challenges and obstacles.”
Pérez also highlighted several key pillars of his vision for the future, including the recently renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the club's playing squad, and the return of José Mourinho to the managerial position.
“We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, the best stadium in the world. Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a madridista like José Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members.”
The election campaign attracted significant attention after Pérez announced plans to strengthen the squad with the signings of Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, while also promising a major move for a high-profile attacking player.
Riquelme's campaign centered on alternative sporting plans, including potential approaches for Jürgen Klopp as head coach and transfer targets such as Erling Haaland and Rodri. Despite falling short at the ballot box, the challenger thanked members for engaging in the democratic process.
“I want to congratulate Florentino Pérez's candidacy for the victory,” Riquelme said. “I also want to thank all the members who listened, and knew the importance of voting after 20 years, with our red line, being against the sale of the club... We know that Real Madrid isn't for sale.”
The result ensures Pérez will continue leading Real Madrid into a new era, with ambitions of further domestic and European success while overseeing key decisions regarding the club's long-term future.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Simon Reza, Pexels / Zekai Zhu
.jpg)
.jpg)
