The Real Madrid is going through a tough phase, with back-to-back seasons without a single trophy. They also have issues with ego clashes, and although the coach was removed, nothing worked. When we felt things were sorting out, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez announced elections. It was kind of surprising for journalists and football spectators.
The upcoming election for the next president is scheduled on June 7, 2026, where Florentino Perez will face businessman Enrique Riquelme.
Why Florentino Perez Called Elections?
This is the first time in the past 20 years that the president has called for elections. Florentino has been president of Real Madrid since 2009. He built the modern Real Madrid, or, we can say, the Galactico Era. His first tenure is memorable, where the intense transfer of Luis Figo and three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles were witnessed. Perez had a powerful time at the club, with so many things to mention. One of his recent pulls, Kylian Mbappé from PSG to Real Madrid, was itself a show of power.
After all these years, the timing of the election suggests Perez wants to reaffirm his authority at the club. Somewhere, his team was at its worst level, with so many stars being questioned. On top of that, for the first time in many years, no Madrid star made it into the Spanish National Football Team, which was a disgrace.
These few things gave his critics points to raise concerns. Obviously, one of the biggest clubs failing to have a single player in the national team for the World Cup is disappointing. But still, the stance is clear: Perez will be the favourite to claim the president’s office. It is a tactical move from Perez to showcase his power and stance at the club. When the club is at a low point, he needs to show that the club is in the right hands.
Is a Change in the Presidential Position the Solution?
Right now, Real Madrid’s condition needs solutions, not elections. Somewhere, fans wanted to know how these elections would help the club’s situation or improve it. It is more likely a power stunt for Perez. A clear indication that he is focused more on his personal stance than on the club’s situation and reputation. But if Perez loses, the club’s condition will get even worse.
How?
Enrique, the opposition candidate, is not from a football background. He is also coming from a business background, which feels more like advertising for him. By winning this election, the club would have a power shift that it cannot bear at this stage. It would be more hazardous and push the club toward a worse situation.
A simple indication is that right now, lasting leadership will be swift for Real Madrid’s comeback. It can be that Enrique will be the solution, but right now it does not feel like it. During a TV show, Enrique revealed his two superstar signings. The first one was kind of expected, Rodri from Manchester City (a possible move), and the second one was also expected, but fans were curious if he would really announce it.
And guess what?
He did.
He announced his second superstar signing, Erling Haaland from Manchester City. That was a very surprising announcement because the Norwegian has a contract valid until 2034 at Manchester City. This announcement shook social media. Responses came from Manchester City officials, the player’s agent, and his father. The issue gained hype, and Manchester City is preparing for a lawsuit against Enrique. He has not even been elected yet, but things are already getting worse for him.
Somewhere, the name politics for Enrique does not work. It increased issues for him rather than helping him secure more votes.
Are These Elections Solving the Problem?
The elections at Real Madrid at this stage are unnecessary. This will increase the chaos at Real Madrid. Both candidates are pushing names as political tactics, and maybe potentially spending millions on them. Somewhere, this will start a race for signing big names, with Perez trying to save his position and respect. For him, the elections are now about faith and, more importantly, ego to stay in office.
He already signed two big names, Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan. Following this, he announced that there would be a bombshell signing worth 150 million this transfer window. The star would be at the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. The name itself raised concerns, which is Michael Olise from Bayern Munich.
The Bayern Munich president already said that he is a crucial part of Bayern’s project and that even for 200 million, he would not leave for Real Madrid. He also has a contract valid until 2029. The issue is not how they will sign him. We already know Real Madrid is that kind of football club—if it wants anything, it will get it. Luis Figo and Kylian Mbappe are two classic examples of that.
But the issue is that the Real Madrid presidential candidates are just giving names without knowing the situation of the player. Even the player’s camp is unaware that their player is supposedly going to Real Madrid.
Before the World Cup, elections at Real Madrid are fun for football fans. Every day, waking up and hearing a transfer pitch that blows up is kind of funny. In a few days, things will be clear about who will be president at Real Madrid. But what we want to see is how these promises play out. Are we going to see a massive, chaotic transfer window at Real Madrid?