Story perspectives

Real Madrid election: Riquelme challenges Pérez with €194M guarantee

5/24/2026

Summary

Riquelme Launches Election

The Real Madrid Electoral Board approved Enrique Riquelme’s candidacy, starting the first contested presidential election since 2006.
Riquelme posted a €194 million guarantee, 15 % of the budget, with Andbank Spain.
The board will verify his Spanish nationality, age, 20-year membership and guarantee before a vote set before 9 June 2026.
If validated, members will choose between incumbent President Florentino Pérez and Riquelme’s proposal for stronger member ownership.

Summary

Board Validates

The board for Pérez declared his candidacy valid and emailed acceptance on May 22 2026.
The board for Riquelme declared his candidacy valid and emailed acceptance on May 23 2026.
Pérez’s candidacy is exempt from providing a bank guarantee under article 40.C.5 of the club’s bylaws.
During Riquelme’s review, the board flagged an error in board member José Olivé Pina’s membership number.

1 of 2

Riquelme Launches Election

The Real Madrid Electoral Board approved Enrique Riquelme’s candidacy, starting the first contested presidential election since 2006.
Riquelme posted a €194 million guarantee, 15 % of the budget, with Andbank Spain.
The board will verify his Spanish nationality, age, 20-year membership and guarantee before a vote set before 9 June 2026.
If validated, members will choose between incumbent President Florentino Pérez and Riquelme’s proposal for stronger member ownership.

1 / 2