Real Madrid Open Presidential Election Process as Perez Confirms Candidacy

Florentino Perez to run again as Madrid begin election process

Spanish businessman Enrique Riquelme is reportedly considering a bid and has asked Perez for more time to prepare.

Under Perez, Madrid have won five La Liga titles and six Champions Leagues since his return in 2009...

Real Madrid kicked off their presidential election process on Thursday after Florentino Perez confirmed he’ll be calling elections and running again.

Candidates have 10 days to submit their bids, with the deadline set for May 23, the club said in a statement.

To run for president, candidates need to have been a club member for 20 years and put up a €187 million guarantee - 15% of Madrid’s annual budget - backed by their own assets.

Perez, who was re-elected unopposed in January 2025 for another four-year term, told a press conference on Tuesday that he’ll stand again.

Spanish media say Enrique Riquelme, head of water and energy firm Cox, is weighing a run.

In a letter picked up by several Spanish outlets, the renewable energy businessman asked Pérez for more time to prepare a potential bid. 

“When I ran in the 2000 elections, I didn’t ask for more time; I ran, and I won,” Perez replied in an interview with La Sexta on Wednesday.

If more than one candidate enters, the electoral board will set and announce the election date and venue later.

Call for Elections for President and Board of Directors

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 14, 2026

If no one else runs, the 79-year-old Perez will stay on unopposed, as he did in 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025.

The Spanish businessman first took charge in 2000, overseeing the club’s Galáctico era, before stepping down in 2006.

Since returning in 2009, Madrid have won five La Liga titles and six Champions Leagues, along with other trophies.