Everything you need to know about Real Madrid presidential elections – Candidates, elgibility, date and more | OneFootball

Real Madrid are entering one of the most important moments in the club’s recent history as members prepare to vote in a presidential election that will determine who leads the institution over the next four years.

After weeks of campaigning, public statements and ambitious promises, the battle between Florentino Perez and Enrique Riquelme is finally approaching its conclusion. 

What began as an election campaign has evolved into a highly public contest that has captured the attention of supporters across Spain and beyond.

With discussions ranging from sporting projects to potential blockbuster signings, the debate surrounding the future direction of Real Madrid has dominated headlines in recent weeks.

Perez and Riquelme battle for control of Real Madrid

The election will see current president Florentino Perez attempt to secure another term in office while challenger Enrique Riquelme seeks to bring a different vision to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Perez enters the vote with a strong record behind him. During his time in charge, Real Madrid have enjoyed remarkable success on and off the field, while also completing major infrastructure projects, most notably the transformation of the Santiago Bernabeu.

His campaign has also received backing from several club legends in recent days, including figures such as Gareth Bale, Roberto Carlos, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.

Enrique Riquelme is Perez’s opponent. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

On the other side, Riquelme has built his campaign around the promise of change. 

The challenger has presented a project that includes several legendary former players and has repeatedly spoken about restoring what he views as the traditional Real Madrid identity within the club’s structure.

His campaign has also generated significant attention through promises involving high-profile names, including Erling Haaland, while outlining plans for a different sporting direction.

With both candidates presenting contrasting visions for the future, the decision now rests entirely in the hands of the club’s members.

When is the election?

Regardless of who emerges victorious, the result will have a major impact on the club’s sporting and institutional future.

A victory for Perez would likely mean continuity, with the current president continuing the project that has delivered enormous success over the last two decades.

A win for Riquelme, meanwhile, would usher in a new era, bringing significant changes to the club’s leadership structure and potentially altering the sporting roadmap for years to come.

Florentino Perez is the favourite to win the elections. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Now that all is said that done, it must be remembered that voting will take place on Sunday, 7 June 2026.

Furthermore, members will be able to cast their votes from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm without interruption. 

The polling station will be located at the Real Madrid Basketball Pavilion in Valdebebas, situated on Avenida Alejandro de la Sota. As per reports, around 70,000 members are called to vote.

Lastly, in order to cast vote, three criterias must be met. This includes being a Real Madrid member and of legal age. Have a minimum of one full year of membership and be included in the official electoral roll.

More importantly, Real Madrid will know whether Florentino Perez remains at the helm or whether Enrique Riquelme has succeeded in convincing members that the club needs a new direction by the end of the day,. 

Either way, a defining chapter in the club’s history is about to be written.