Real Madrid are set for their first contested presidential election since 2006 as businessman Enrique Riquelme was announced as a candidate alongside Florentino Perez, the long-running incumbent.
Perez first came to power at the Spanish giants in 2000 before standing down in 2006. He returned and he has been elected unopposed in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2025.
However, his standing has weakened with Real failing to win a trophy for the second successive season, prompting Perez to announce a members' vote, and Riquelme's candidacy has been rubberstamped following an electoral board meeting.
Ahead of the election, which is due to be held on June 7, Riquelme told Spanish newspaper ABC he will sign "two major international stars" if he is voted in.
Real finished runners-up to major rivals Barcelona in LaLiga and were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
Xabi Alonso was sacked in January while Alvaro Arbeloa has had a turbulent reign since then with numerous issues among his playing squad, not least a heated clash between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Jose Mourinho has been tipped to return to the Real hotseat and is reported as Perez's first choice but Riquelme prevaricated on a comeback for the Portuguese and mentioned former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp as an option.
"If I’m president, we’ll evaluate it, but we’re looking to create a long-term project," Riquelme added.
"Bringing Xabi in was the right move, and firing him was a mistake, but you can’t build a project in three months. (Arbeloa) maybe wasn’t the right fit at this time.
"I love Klopp. I already said that in 2021. He’s a good manager and a good coach but there are other managers I like too, not just Klopp.
"What I do believe is that Real Madrid can’t experiment with coaches. It’s not a club for that. Real Madrid can’t afford to go two seasons without a project."
