The most important vote in 20 years. The result? Decisive.
The Numbers
Florentino Pérez secured 65% of the vote — 21,741 ballots — while Enrique Riquelme claimed 35% with 11,814 votes. A total of 33,555 members participated in the election, held at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex.
The result became official shortly after midnight — largely reflecting what pre-election polling and exit surveys had suggested throughout the day.
Pérez’s Victory Speech
Pérez proclaimed victory at a hotel near the Bernabéu and declared: “We’ve obtained the second-best result in the history of Real Madrid elections. It’s an extraordinary result… Today, Real Madrid won. We’ve shown an example of democracy to the world. We’ll keep working for Real Madrid to keep winning trophies… Together, we have a lot of history left to make.”
Historic in Every Sense
The 79-year-old will now remain at the helm of Real Madrid until 2030 — extending a presidency that has overseen one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
This was the first contested presidential election since 2006 — the year Pérez lost to Ramón Calderón and stepped down. He returned in 2009 and has been in charge ever since.
During his presidency, Madrid have won 7 Champions Leagues — most recently in 2022 and 2024 — and 7 La Liga titles.
Riquelme Accepts Defeat Graciously
Riquelme accepted defeat following the count. Despite falling well short, his campaign established him as a significant figure within the club’s political landscape — the strongest opposition Pérez has faced since 2006.
What Comes Next — The New Era Begins Now
With the mandate secured, the Bernabéu project can now take shape in earnest:
- José Mourinho confirmed as the new head coach
- Galáctico transfer — the €150M signing promise to be pursued
- World Cup players to be monitored actively across June & July
- Pre-season preparations begin immediately
Having largely run unopposed in recent years, Pérez faced genuine pressure this time — and answered it emphatically at the ballot box.
From 2000 to 2030 — 30 years at the wheel of the world’s most valuable club. The Don of football presidencies.