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For the first time in nearly two decades, members of Real Madrid will have a genuine choice when they vote in a presidential election.
Current president Florentino Pérez is facing a challenger: Enrique Riquelme.
The businessman has quickly become one of the most talked-about figures in Spanish football after unveiling a campaign that includes governance reforms, changes to club membership policies and the appointment of Raúl González Blanco as sporting director if he wins.
As election day approaches, many international fans are asking the same question: who exactly is Enrique Riquelme?
Enrique Riquelme: "No hay nadie más apropiado que Raúl González para liderar mi proyecto deportivo" https://t.co/BN3dGb85nF
— EL MUNDO (@elmundoes) June 2, 2026
Who is Enrique Riquelme?
Enrique Riquelme is a 37-year-old Spanish entrepreneur best known as the chief executive of Cox Group, a company operating in the renewable energy sector.
Although he is not a household name among football supporters, he has emerged as the first serious electoral challenger to Florentino Pérez in many years.
His campaign slogan combines the ideas of tradition and renewal, presenting himself as a candidate capable of protecting Real Madrid’s identity while modernizing parts of the club’s structure.
Key facts about Enrique Riquelme
- Spanish businessman from Alicante.
- CEO of Cox Group.
- Real Madrid member eligible to run for president.
- First approved challenger to Florentino Pérez in a competitive election for many years.
- Promises institutional and sporting reforms.
Why is he running against Florentino Pérez?
Riquelme argues that Real Madrid should remain firmly controlled by its members and has voiced concerns about proposals that, in his view, could move the club closer to privatization.
He has also called for greater transparency in club governance and questioned the influence of figures involved in major strategic projects despite not holding official club positions.
While he has praised Pérez’s historical achievements, he believes the club needs a new long-term vision.
What has Enrique Riquelme promised Real Madrid members?
Several proposals have become central to his campaign.
His main pledges include:
- Cutting membership fees by 50%.
- Creating thousands of new season-ticket opportunities through a lottery system.
- Expanding facilities at Valdebebas.
- Increasing transparency in club management.
- Strengthening the role of former Real Madrid figures within the sporting structure.
Riquelme has also promised to reveal additional sporting plans before voting takes place.
🚨 Enrique Riquelme: "Mi director deportivo será Don Raúl González Blanco"https://t.co/OB8yIfmc5S
— MARCA (@marca) June 1, 2026
Why has he named Raúl González as sporting director?
One of the biggest announcements of the campaign came when Riquelme publicly confirmed that Raúl González would become sporting director if he wins the election.
According to Riquelme, the former captain embodies the values and identity of Real Madrid and would play a key role in shaping the club’s sporting future.
Why Raúl matters
Raúl remains one of the most respected figures in Real Madrid history.
His profile includes:
- More than 700 appearances for the club.
- Former captain of Real Madrid.
- One of the greatest goalscorers in club history.
- Coaching experience within the club’s academy structure.
The proposal has generated significant attention both in Spain and internationally.
When are the Real Madrid elections?
Voting is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026.
The election is considered historic because it is the first time in roughly 20 years that Real Madrid members will choose between competing presidential candidates rather than simply ratifying a single option.
Election schedule
- Date: June 7, 2026.
- Voting hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Results: Expected on the same evening after counting begins.
Where will the vote take place?
Voting will be held at the basketball pavilion inside Ciudad Real Madrid, the club’s training complex in Valdebebas.
The choice of venue has attracted attention because the usual focal point of club activity, the Santiago Bernabéu area, will be affected by the logistics surrounding the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Madrid that same weekend.
Postal voting is also available for eligible members under the club’s electoral regulations.
Can Enrique Riquelme realistically win?
Most observers still consider Florentino Pérez the favorite.
The current president has led one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid’s history and retains significant support among club members.
However, Riquelme’s candidacy is already significant regardless of the result.
For the first time in years, Real Madrid members are debating issues such as:
- Governance.
- Transparency.
- Membership rights.
- Long-term ownership structures.
- The club’s sporting direction.
Even critics who doubt his chances acknowledge that he has changed the conversation surrounding the election.
What should fans expect before election day?
The final days of the campaign are expected to bring:
- More policy announcements.
- Additional sporting proposals.
- Further debate over club ownership and governance.
- Continued discussion about Raúl’s potential role.
Attention is likely to increase as voting day approaches and international media begin focusing on the first contested Real Madrid election in a generation.
FAQ Real Madrid elections
Who is Enrique Riquelme?
Enrique Riquelme is a Spanish businessman and CEO of Cox Group who is challenging Florentino Pérez in Real Madrid’s 2026 presidential election.
Why is Enrique Riquelme running for Real Madrid president?
He says he wants to improve transparency, strengthen member participation and protect the club’s ownership model.
Who would be sporting director if Riquelme wins?
Riquelme has publicly stated that Raúl González would become sporting director under his presidency.
When is the Real Madrid presidential election?
The vote will take place on June 7, 2026.
Where will Real Madrid members vote?
Voting is scheduled to take place at Ciudad Real Madrid in Valdebebas.
Is Florentino Pérez still the favorite?
Yes. Most analysts consider Pérez the favorite, although Riquelme’s campaign has introduced the first meaningful electoral challenge in many years.
Enrique Riquelme may not yet be widely known outside Spain, but he has rapidly become one of the central figures in a historic Real Madrid election.
His challenge to Florentino Pérez, combined with proposals involving Raúl González and club governance reforms, has ensured that the 2026 presidential race will be watched closely by football fans around the world.
Information Source:
https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/
Photo Attribution:
Stade Santiago Bernabeu 01, by Zakarie Faibis Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license Wikimedia Commons: https://w.wiki/QYGw
Carmena reivindica el urbanismo de consenso en la presentación del nuevo Santiago Bernabéu 13 by Diario de Madrid Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Wikimedia Commons: https://w.wiki/PT3d
