Florentino Perez has been re-elected president of Real Madrid by a commanding majority, clearing the way for the anticipated return of Jose Mourinho as the club’s head coach.
The 79-year-old, who has led the Spanish giants for a combined 23 years across two spells, secured 65 percent of the vote to defeat challenger Enrique Riquelme, according to results announced by the club on Sunday.
Addressing supporters after the victory, Perez pledged to continue working towards maintaining Real Madrid’s success and securing more titles.
The election outcome is expected to pave the way for Mourinho’s appointment, with reports indicating that the Portuguese manager could be unveiled as the club’s new coach as early as Monday.
Mourinho, 63, is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu 13 years after leaving the club. Reports suggest Real Madrid will pay his current club, Benfica, a release fee of €15 million to secure his services.
Perez also reaffirmed his commitment to the club’s long-term ambitions, highlighting the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and the team’s pursuit of future trophies.
Mourinho first took charge of Real Madrid in 2010 and spent three seasons at the club, winning one La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup during an era marked by intense rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side.
His expected return represents a significant gamble by the club’s leadership after Real Madrid ended the 2025/26 campaign without a major trophy for the second consecutive season.
Perez said the club would continue striving for domestic and European success, including the pursuit of a 16th European Cup title.
In a video posted on Perez’s campaign social media account last week, Mourinho appeared wearing a Real Madrid shirt and appeared to hint at his return by simply responding “Yes.”
Meanwhile, defeated candidate Riquelme had campaigned on a promise to sign Erling Haaland from Manchester City if elected.
Real Madrid remains one of the few major football clubs owned entirely by its members, who elect the club’s president through a voting process.
Perez reaffirmed that ownership structure following his victory, stating that the club would continue to belong to its members.
