Real Madrid Presidential Election 2026: Continuity vs Change

Date: 7 June 2026
Venue: Ciudad Real Madrid, Valdebebas
Eligible Voters: Real Madrid Socios (Club Members)

For the first time since 2006, Real Madrid members will head to the polls to choose between two presidential candidates. The upcoming election is not just about who occupies the president's office at the Santiago Bernabéu. It is a vote on what Real Madrid should become over the next decade.

On one side stands Florentino Pérez, the current president. On the other is Enrique Riquelme, a young entrepreneur presenting himself as the candidate of reform and member representation.

Florentino Pérez: "Mucha historia por hacer"

At 79 years old, Florentino Pérez enters the election seeking another term after overseeing an era that transformed Real Madrid both on and off the pitch.

Since returning to office in 2009, Pérez has led the club through unprecedented sporting success, including multiple UEFA Champions League triumphs, major commercial growth and the complete modernization of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Key Pillars of Pérez's Campaign

Continuity and Stability

Pérez's campaign is built around the idea that the current model is working. Real Madrid remains one of the most successful, influential and financially powerful clubs in world football.

Bernabéu Infinito

One of the flagship projects of his proposed term is "Bernabéu Infinito", a digital ecosystem designed to connect Madridistas around the world through immersive experiences, virtual engagement and new technological innovations.

Financial Growth

Pérez believes Real Madrid must continue expanding commercially to maintain its competitive advantage against state-backed and privately-owned clubs across Europe.

External Investment Proposal

Perhaps the most debated aspect of his campaign, Pérez has proposed a structure that could allow external investment while maintaining member ownership and sporting control. Supporters see it as a way to strengthen the club financially while critics fear it could eventually weaken the traditional socio-owned model.

Institutional Leadership

Pérez has also emphasized defending Real Madrid's interests at national and international level, particularly regarding governance issues, refereeing controversies and the ongoing fallout from the Negreira case.

Enrique Riquelme: "Legado y Futuro"

At 37 years old, Enrique Riquelme represents the first serious challenge to Florentino Pérez in two decades.

A successful entrepreneur in the renewable energy sector and lifelong Real Madrid member, Riquelme has built his campaign around the idea that Real Madrid must modernize while becoming more connected to its members.

Key Pillars of Riquelme's Campaign

Ciudad del Socio

The centerpiece of his project is the creation of the "Ciudad del Socio".

This ambitious development would expand the Valdebebas complex into a member-focused destination featuring:

• Social club facilities

• Hotel and accommodation

• Swimming pools

• Wellness center

• Restaurants and leisure areas

• Tennis and padel courts

• Additional football facilities

• A new 15,000-seat basketball arena

Membership Fee Reduction

Riquelme has promised a 50% reduction in membership fees until Real Madrid wins another UEFA Champions League title.

Ticketing Reform

A major focus of his campaign is improving access for ordinary members.

His proposals include:

• A lottery system for 10,000 season tickets

• Greater transparency in ticket allocation

• Increased opportunities for active socios

Women's Football Expansion

Riquelme has pledged greater investment in women's football, including expanding the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium and increasing the number of women's matches played at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Greater Member Representation

He has repeatedly argued that the club has become too distant from its membership base and promises reforms aimed at improving communication, transparency and participation.

Raúl González as Sporting Director

One of his most eye-catching announcements came when he revealed that club legend Raúl González would become Sporting Director if his candidacy is successful.

The Key Differences

Club Direction

Florentino Pérez: Continue the current model, which his campaign credits with the club's sporting and financial success.

Enrique Riquelme: Introduce structural reforms and increase member influence.

Ownership Model

Florentino Pérez: Open to external investment structures while maintaining member ownership.

Enrique Riquelme: Opposes external investment and insists on preserving a fully socio-owned model.

Main Infrastructure Project

Florentino Pérez: Bernabéu Infinito and digital innovation.

Enrique Riquelme: Ciudad del Socio and member-focused facilities.

Relationship with Members

Florentino Pérez: Maintain the current governance structure.

Enrique Riquelme: Increase participation, transparency and accessibility.

Why This Election Matters

This election goes beyond football.

It is a debate about the future identity of Real Madrid.

Should the club continue under the leadership that has delivered unprecedented success over the past two decades?

Or is it time for a new vision that prioritizes member engagement and structural reform?

On 7 June, Real Madrid's socios will decide.

Whatever the outcome, the election represents one of the most significant moments in the club's modern history and will shape the direction of Real Madrid for years to come.