Florentino Perez has secured a fourth consecutive term as Real Madrid president after winning the club’s first contested election in 20 years. The final count showed 65% of the 33,555 voting members backed Perez against challenger Enrique Riquelme.
The election was called early by Perez on May 12 following two trophy-less seasons. The result extends his tenure until 2030 and grants him a mandate to execute his high-profile transfer plans. Real Madrid’s official television channel confirmed the victory shortly after midnight on Monday.
Perez’s campaign centered on the return of José Mourinho as head coach. Mourinho, who previously managed the club from 2010 to 2013, is set to be formally announced within days. Benfica has already demanded a €15 million release fee for the Portuguese tactician.
The president also pledged to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté and Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries. A club-record €150 million bid for Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is scheduled for Tuesday. Riquelme’s campaign proposed signing Erling Haaland and Rodri but failed to gain traction.
Riquelme, a renewable energy executive, criticized Perez’s proposal to create a subsidiary allowing outside investors to buy a 5% stake in the club. Perez defended the plan, stating the member-owned model would remain intact and membership would gain tangible value.
