Florentino Pérez Remains President of Real Madrid: Clear Victory Over Riquelme

Two Terms and the Galácticos Era

Pérez has been at the helm of the club since 2000, with an interruption from 2006 to 2009. In his first term in office from 2000 to 2006, he shaped the so-called era of the "Galácticos" with signings such as Luís Figo, Ronaldo Fenómeno, Zinédine Zidane, and David Beckham. After his return to the presidency in 2009, he was confirmed multiple times without an election, because no rival candidate met the high requirements for candidacy.

Observers had expected a much closer election outcome given the disappointing previous sporting season. Real Madrid had been eliminated in the round of 16 of the Spanish Cup by second-division side Albacete and had lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals. In addition, there was a 0-2 defeat in El Clásico against FC Barcelona, through which Barcelona completed the Spanish league title. Pérez had effectively turned the election into a vote of confidence around a month beforehand.

Sporting Crisis as the Backdrop to the Election

Pérez, who had also rejected speculation about his state of health in May, presented himself during the campaign as a guarantor of continuity. He pointed to the club's sporting success, its economic strength, and the renovation of the Santiago Bernabéu. After the announcement of his victory, Pérez was optimistic and announced the goal of winning the Champions League again.

Under Pérez's leadership, Real Madrid has won the Champions League seven times. He is now aiming for a 16th title in the premier European competition. According to media reports, Pérez is also planning to bring back former Real coach José Mourinho to lead the team featuring Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé. In addition, according to reports, Bayern Munich player Michael Olise is to be signed.

Plans for the Coming Years

Financially, the club is in excellent shape according to Pérez. Pérez had emphasized in May that he was continuing to lead a club and a company with annual revenues of 50 billion. He described his state of health as "perfect" and rejected rumors of a serious illness. The 79-year-old sees his course confirmed despite the sporting setbacks of the past two years.

The new term runs until 2030, once again giving Pérez sufficient time to implement his strategic plans for the club. With the clear vote of the members behind him, the construction magnate — who, according to the available sources, is firmly established as the central figure of modern Real Madrid — is regarded as the unchallenged boss of the Spanish record champions.

Outlook to 2030

Personnel changes at the sporting leadership level are also already being discussed in Madrid. The planned return of Mourinho, who previously coached Real Madrid, would signal a sporting fresh start after two trophyless years. At the same time, the club faces the challenge of creating the financial room for maneuver for further high-profile transfers and making economic use of the modernized Bernabéu.

The election victory also brings to a close a period of uncertainty that had arisen from the sporting failures and public speculation about Pérez's health. Pérez had explicitly wanted the presidential election to be understood as a confirmation of his course and his leadership. The members followed him by a majority and secured him a clear mandate until 2030.