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Florentino Perez secured another term as Real Madrid president, but challenger Enrique Riquelme’s 35% vote share exposed growing opposition after two trophyless seasons.
And still Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez (X/Reuters)
Florentino Perez remains in charge of Real Madrid, but for the first time in nearly two decades, his grip on the club faced genuine resistance.
The 79-year-old construction magnate secured another four-year term as president after defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in Sunday’s election. While Perez emerged victorious with 65% of the vote, Riquelme’s 35% share represented the strongest opposition Perez has faced since returning to power in 2009.
The result marked Real Madrid’s first meaningful presidential contest in almost 20 years and suggested that, despite Perez’s dominance, a sizeable section of the club’s membership is eager for change.
First Real Election Battle In Nearly Two Decades
A total of 33,555 club members cast their votes at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex on the outskirts of Madrid.
Perez had called the election in May despite still having two years remaining on his mandate. The decision came after a disappointing campaign in which the 15-time European champions finished without major silverware for a second consecutive season while rivals Barcelona retained the La Liga title.
After the result was confirmed, Perez described the victory as “extraordinary.”
“This has been a great day for Real Madrid. We have won across the board, across all age groups,” Perez said.
“We have achieved the second-best result in the history of Real Madrid elections.”
Riquelme’s Campaign Makes An Impact
Although defeated, Riquelme’s campaign succeeded in energising a membership base that had not seen a competitive election since 2006.
“I would like to congratulate Florentino Perez’s campaign on its victory,” Riquelme said.
“Real Madrid will not go another 20 years without an election.”
The renewable energy entrepreneur campaigned on ambitious promises, including moves for Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri, while strongly opposing Perez’s proposal to create a subsidiary that could allow outside investors to acquire a small stake in the club.
Riquelme accused Perez of attempting to “privatise the club,” a claim the incumbent repeatedly rejected.
Big Promises Ahead
Perez’s campaign was packed with headline-grabbing pledges of its own. He promised a €150 million marquee signing, expressed interest in bringing Jose Mourinho back to the Bernabéu, and identified defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries as priority targets.
With Real Madrid generating €1.19 billion in revenue last season and valued by Forbes at $6.75 billion, Perez now begins another term with the backing of members.
(with Reuters inputs)
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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