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Florentino Pérez has secured re-election as Real Madrid president, defeating Enrique Riquelme in Sunday's vote with approximately 65% of the ballot.
The victory grants Pérez a seventh term at the helm of the club. This marks his third electoral win at the polls, following previous victories in 2000 and 2004. He has also been returned to office on four other occasions as the only candidate on the ballot.
Reports suggest Pérez captured roughly 65% of the total vote compared to Riquelme's 35%, with the incumbent president performing strongly in both postal votes and at in-person polling stations.
The result represents a demonstration of authority for the club's longest-tenured president, who called the elections early last month amid the frustration of back-to-back trophy-less seasons and mounting tensions off the field.
Perez Fights on
Florentino Pérez: "We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles."
Addressing supporters at the Eurobuilding Hotel in Madrid during his victory speech, Pérez highlighted his winning margin and pledged to deliver another European championship.
"I am still here, and I am here to defend Real Madrid," he said. "We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup. You have demonstrated your commitment and loyalty to the club.
"Real Madrid has won. We have set an example to the world of democracy, transparency and coexistence. We have shown that we are a big family, that we love Real Madrid, and that we are prepared for the future."
Meanwhile, 37-year-old Riquelme—who had sought to topple Pérez with ambitious campaign pledges including the acquisitions of Erling Haaland and Jürgen Klopp—was gracious in defeat, while emphasizing the importance of regular competitive elections.
"Congratulations to Florentino Pérez on his victory," he said, via AS. "And congratulations to all the Real Madrid members who were able to vote. This is a great victory for this candidacy. For us, this isn't the end, it's the beginning.
"Real Madrid won't go 20 years without elections. The Real Madrid members will continue to vote for four more years. It's about respecting the legacy and extending a hand to the debate we haven't had. The best thing is that the members' voices are heard."
With Pérez officially set to be reinstated, what lies ahead for Real Madrid?
New Manager
Sí. Florentino Pérez ha ganado las Elecciones a la Presidencia del Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/5gNPpYTpWk
Pérez's re-election formally confirms that José Mourinho will take charge as Real Madrid's next manager, having already put pen to paper on a three-year contract to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, contingent on the election outcome.
It will cost Madrid approximately €15 million ($17.4 million) to release Mourinho from his contract at Benfica, after a buyout clause valued at $3.5 million (€3 million) in the manager's Lisbon deal lapsed during the election campaign.
Mourinho featured in a campaign video by Pérez announcing his win, and a press conference and formal unveiling of the new manager is anticipated this week.
He is expected to bring along his Benfica coaching staff, including assistants João Tralhão and Pedro Machado, as well as analyst Roberto Merella, fitness coach António Dias and goalkeeper coach Nuno Santos.
The 63-year-old Portuguese tactician previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, claiming one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey during that spell.
Although he set a record points tally in the 2011–12 campaign, he never reached the Champions League final and his initial stint at the club ended on bitter terms.
New Signings
Much like the managerial appointment, Pérez had arranged several transfer deals to be officially announced once the election concluded.
The first two signings expected to be confirmed are Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries.
While Konaté and Dumfries fill specific gaps in the squad, they are not the kind of high-profile, attacking acquisitions supporters have grown accustomed to from Pérez during election cycles. Nevertheless, at least one marquee transfer is anticipated this summer.
In the lead-up to the weekend's vote, Pérez pledged to table a €150 million ($175 million) offer for a "total Galáctico," widely believed to be Bayern Munich's Michael Olise.
Should Madrid be unable to secure Olise, they could pursue a range of other high-value targets, while a deep-lying playmaker is also expected to feature on their transfer wishlist.
However, any moves for Manchester City pair Haaland and Rodri—as pledged by Pérez's rival Riquelme—are now widely expected to be shelved.
Any Other Business
Despite his commanding margin of victory, not everything is smooth sailing at Real Madrid, and Pérez faces several pressing matters to resolve in the weeks ahead.
The 2025–26 season was marred by unwelcome dressing-room tensions, and there have also been reports of internal power struggles at the highest levels involving Pérez's advisor Anas Laghrari and CEO José Ángel Sánchez. Furthermore, Pérez's proposed plans to sell a 5% stake in the club to a private investor have been poorly received by many.
Earlier this season, chants of "Florentino, resign" echoed around the Bernabéu, and the scrutiny is likely to intensify if performances on the pitch fail to improve—a third consecutive season without a major trophy is an unthinkable scenario for a club of Madrid's stature.
Riquelme, meanwhile, exits the race beaten but has demonstrated that Pérez can be challenged after such a prolonged period without opposition.
The young renewable energy entrepreneur's bold promises and media presence have made him a recognizable figure among supporters, and he is unlikely to fade back into obscurity. Should the club's difficulties persist, other potential challengers may feel increasingly encouraged to step forward.
The fact that respected club icons Raúl González, Iker Casillas and Fernando Hierro were willing to align themselves with Riquelme's campaign also signals that Pérez's grip on the club is not as ironclad as it once was.
The decision to rehire Mourinho is a calculated risk that must pay dividends for Pérez. Equally, failing to deliver on the promise of a "total Galáctico" signing this summer could further fuel the growing sense of discontent.
As has always been the case at Real Madrid, the most effective remedy for any problem remains winning.