For the first time since 2006, Real Madrid members will cast their ballots to determine the club’s next president. Florentino Perez, who has held the presidential office since 2009, has initiated an election, facing competition from Enrique Riquelme, whose candidacy was officially recognized over the weekend.
The Real Madrid electoral board convened on Tuesday with the specific objective of setting a date for the presidential election. The intention was to expedite the process to minimize disruption to the club’s operations. An official statement has now confirmed that the election will take place on Sunday, June 7th.
“The Electoral Board approves that the voting will be held on June 7, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., uninterruptedly, at the Basketball Pavilion of the Real Madrid City, Avenida Alejandro de la Sota s/n – Madrid, where the corresponding polling stations will be installed. This information will be sent to all members included in the electoral roll.”
Perez the Strong Favorite Amidst Recent Fan Criticism
Perez’s decision to call for elections follows two consecutive seasons without major silverware for Real Madrid. This period has been marked by significant protests from the club’s supporters during matches, with criticism directed at the president and key players such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Despite the recent backlash, Perez is considered the overwhelming favorite to be re-elected. He has amassed considerable goodwill from his previous tenure, having overseen a highly successful era in the club’s history. It will be a considerable challenge for Riquelme, as the challenger, to sway the voters who support the 79-year-old incumbent.
Should Perez win the election, it is anticipated that he will move swiftly to appoint Jose Mourinho as the new Real Madrid manager. An agreement is reportedly in place for the Portuguese coach to return to the Bernabeu 13 years after his initial stint, but his official announcement has been postponed until after the upcoming vote.
