Real Madrid on Thursday formally commenced its presidential election process after club president Florentino Perez confirmed his intention to contest for another term.
In a statement released by the Spanish giants, interested candidates have until May 23 to submit their nominations.
The club’s electoral rules require any contender to have maintained membership for at least 20 years and provide a financial guarantee of 187 million euros — equivalent to 15 percent of the club’s annual budget — supported by personal assets.
Perez, who secured another four-year tenure unopposed in January 2025, had earlier disclosed during a press conference on Tuesday that he would seek re-election once again.
Reports in Spanish media indicate that Enrique Riquelme, chairman of energy and water company Cox, is weighing up a possible challenge.
In a letter circulated by several Spanish publications, Riquelme requested additional time to consider presenting his candidacy.
“When I ran in the 2000 elections I didn’t ask for more time; I ran and I won,” Perez said during an interview with television station La Sexta on Wednesday.
Should more than one candidate emerge, the club’s electoral board will later announce the voting schedule and venue.
However, if no challenger officially enters the race, the 79-year-old would automatically continue in office, similar to the uncontested elections of 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2025.
Perez first became Real Madrid president in 2000, leading the club through the famous Galactico era before stepping down in 2006.
Since returning in 2009, he has overseen a highly successful period that has delivered five La Liga titles and six UEFA Champions League trophies among several other honours.
