The Real Madrid president candidate promises to bring in two superstar players that will shake up football!
If you’re a football fan who loves big names and exciting promises, the Real Madrid presidential elections are always worth watching.
Florentino Perez has been in charge of the La Liga giants since 2009, after winning his second term as president. The club is owned and run by a large group of members called socios, who vote in the elections. But it’s been 16 years since anyone new took the top job—Perez has been leading since he replaced Vicente Boluda.
A big Real Madrid tradition is for the current president and the challenger to make huge promises about signing the world’s best players for record-breaking fees—something fans always get excited about.
Perez, now 79, kicked off his 2026 campaign in May during a fiery speech where he slammed rumors of his retirement and clashed with reporters. “I’m not going to resign,” he said. “I’ve asked for the elections to be called, and I’ll be running again with my current board. People have spread false stories about my health, but I’m doing great and still leading Real Madrid and ACS.”
His challenger, Enrique Riquelme, a renewable energy entrepreneur, has also jumped in with big transfer promises, following the club’s tradition. The vote on Sunday will decide between Perez and Riquelme, who supports Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta as manager, even though Jose Mourinho might be coming back soon.
Riquelme, just 37, says he already has agreements in place for two huge signings. After two trophyless seasons, he told ABC, “I have signed two major international stars for Real Madrid, and we’re working on the coach side too. These players are essential for Real Madrid’s success now and in the future.”
While he hasn’t revealed the names yet, Sky Sport Germany reported a big rumor: Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri could be on their way. Haaland, one of the best strikers in the world, still has eight years left on his City contract, so this would be a blockbuster move!