Real Madrid officially launched its presidential election process on Thursday after current president Florentino Pérez announced his decision to call for new elections and seek another term as the head of the club.
In an official statement, the Spanish giants confirmed that the candidacy submission period will remain open for 10 days, until May 23. Candidates wishing to enter the race must meet strict requirements, including having been a club member for at least 20 years and providing a financial guarantee worth €187 million, equivalent to 15% of the club’s annual budget, backed by personal assets.
Pérez, who was re-elected unopposed in January 2025 for a four-year term, had already revealed during a press conference on Tuesday that he planned to seek re-election as head of the club.
Spanish media reports suggest that Enrique Riquelme, president of the Cox Group specializing in water and energy sectors, is considering entering the electoral race. According to several Spanish outlets, the renewable energy businessman reportedly asked Pérez for more time to prepare a potential candidacy.
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Responding to the request during an interview with Spanish television channel La Sexta on Wednesday, Pérez said: “When I ran in the 2000 elections, I did not ask for more time. I presented my candidacy and won.”
If more than one candidate officially enters the race, the electoral board will later announce the date and venue of the elections. However, if no other candidate steps forward, the 79-year-old president will automatically retain his position, as happened in the elections of 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025.
First elected in 2000, Pérez oversaw the famous “Galácticos” era, a period marked by contracting world-class superstar footballers for record transfer fees.
After resigning in 2006, he returned to the presidency in 2009 and has since guided Real Madrid to five La Liga titles and six UEFA Champions League triumphs, in addition to several other domestic and international trophies.
