Florentino Pérez, 79, Re-Elected as Real Madrid President Until 2030

^{Pictured: Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid}

Florentino Pérez has retained the presidency of Real Madrid and will lead the club until 2030. The incumbent president defeated challenger Enrique Riquelme, Reuters reported.

Pérez won about 65% of the vote, while Riquelme received around 35%. Real Madrid’s president is elected by club members who have voting rights.

It was the first time in roughly 20 years that Pérez had faced a credible challenger in a club presidential election.

Pérez himself called the vote early, despite having about two years left on his previous term.

The campaign took place against a backdrop of discontent among some supporters and club members over the team’s recent performances.

Pérez has led Real Madrid, apart from a brief spell away from the post, since 2000. His tenure has coincided with one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Riquelme is a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur and club member.

One of the main issues in the campaign was the future of Real Madrid as a member-owned club. Pérez argued for an updated financial model and left open the possibility of bringing in an outside investor through the sale of a small stake in the club.

Riquelme opposed the idea. He described it as a step towards privatisation and insisted that Real Madrid should remain wholly owned by its members.

The candidates also made sporting pledges. Pérez spoke of bringing José Mourinho back as head coach, strengthening the defence and making a major signing. Riquelme pledged to give former players a greater role in the club’s management, increase members’ influence and pursue major transfers.

Pérez’s victory means he will retain control of Real Madrid’s strategy for another four years. Riquelme’s result, however, suggested that some club members backed an alternative platform focused mainly on preserving the traditional ownership model without outside investors.