Florentino and Riquelme vote as Real Madrid holds first presidential election in 20 years | OneFootball

Ciudad Real Madrid filled early as voting opened at 9:00 for the club’s first presidential election in 20 years. This followed club warnings of travel disruption linked to the visit of Pope León XIV.

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that Florentino was the earliest of the candidates, casting his ballot shortly before 10:00 at table 2 in the basketball pavilion, amid 75,219 eligible voters. The 79-year-old president, member no 1,484, kept it brief before departing, with long queues for photos.

Enrique Riquelme arrived at 10:49 with family and campaign staff, drawing applause from many younger voters he has targeted. The 37-year-old, member no 41,736, voted at table 33.

He told reporters that members were voting again and that his pledge was to try to stop any sale of the club and to build a professional, serious and exciting project, which he believes they have more than delivered. He planned to follow the day from the Chamartín Autocine.

The atmosphere mixed enthusiasm with friction. Riquelme’s presence also prompted some boos, and one member shouted "mentiroso", a reaction tied to denials around mooted moves for Haaland and Klopp that were not made by the protagonists.

After not expecting an opponent, Florentino will gauge the opposition. The vote follows a trophyless season for the men’s and women’s football teams and the basketball side, and his camp has stressed seven European Cups and marquee signings on banners.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo