Real Madrid has formally opened its presidential electoral process after incumbent president Florentino Pérez announced he will seek re-election.
In a statement on Thursday, the club said candidates have a 10-day window, ending May 23, to submit their bids.
Under club rules, aspirants must have been members for at least 20 years and provide a €187 million ($219 million) financial guarantee, equivalent to 15 per cent of the club’s annual budget, backed by personal assets.
Pérez, who was re-elected unopposed in January 2025 for a four-year term, confirmed earlier this week that he will run again.
Spanish media reports say businessman Enrique Riquelme, president of water and energy firm Cox, is considering entering the race, though he has reportedly requested additional time to prepare a formal candidacy.
Responding to such calls, Pérez said in a television interview on La Sexta that he did not seek delays when he first contested elections in 2000.
If more than one candidate emerges, the club’s electoral board will set a date and venue for the vote. If no challenger steps forward, Pérez, 79, will automatically retain the presidency, as occurred in the 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2025 elections.
Pérez first became Real Madrid president in 2000, ushering in the club’s Galácticos era before stepping down in 2006. Since returning in 2009, he has overseen one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, including five La Liga titles and six UEFA Champions League triumphs.
