Real Madrid formally calls presidential election after Florentino Pérez press conference

Real Madrid launches presidential election process after Pérez conference

Real Madrid’s Electoral Board has formally opened the club’s presidential election process following a press conference by incumbent president Florentino Pérez. The club announced the start of the electoral procedure on May 14, 2026, setting a window for candidacy submissions and publishing key dates for members to check the electoral roll and cast votes by mail under the club’s electoral regulations.

Why it matters

Real Madrid’s presidency shapes the club’s sporting and commercial direction, so any electoral contest could affect transfer strategy, leadership stability and the club’s public image. Members rarely vote in recent times because of onerous candidacy requirements; this process could either confirm Pérez for another term if no rival qualifies, or set up a high-profile internal contest if a candidate meets the conditions to stand.

Key dates and procedural steps

The Electoral Board, citing the club bylaws (Article 38 and Article 40), opened the candidacy submission period from May 14 to May 23, 2026. On May 24 the club will announce whether any new candidacies have been submitted. If no rival candidate is presented, the incumbent would remain in office by default; if a valid alternative appears, the Electoral Board will call an election, though the official election date has not yet been set.

Mundo Deportivo has reported a possible election date of June 7, but the club has not confirmed a definitive voting day.

Who could stand and what the rules say

The club’s rules make standing for the presidency difficult. The Spanish coverage cited by the club summary highlights two major hurdles: a minimum seniority as a club member of 20 years and a financial guarantee equivalent to 20% of the club’s budget. That financial requirement was reported as approximately €187 million in the cited coverage, which would significantly limit the pool of eligible candidates.

Enrique Riquelme, a 37-year-old business figure who has publicly set out views about the club’s future and values, is identified in the reporting as the main alternative to Pérez. Riquelme’s name has been linked to a public appeal calling for a debate on the club’s direction, but the club must still validate any formal candidacy within the submission window.

Voting logistics for members

Members will be able to check their inclusion on the electoral roll from May 14 to May 18, 2026, via the club’s Online Member Support Office (2026 Presidential Elections) or at Member Support Offices during stated opening hours. Claims about inclusion or exclusion on the roll may be submitted in writing or by email to the Electoral Board within the same May 14–18 period. The club also confirmed that members included in the roll may cast votes by mail under the electoral regulations.

Bullet points

What happens next

The immediate next step is the close of the candidacy window on May 23 and the Electoral Board’s announcement on May 24 about whether rival candidates have been registered. If no opposing candidate meets the requirements, the current president will remain in position. If one or more valid candidacies are confirmed, the Electoral Board will call an election and publish the official voting date.

Further verification is recommended on the official Real Madrid electoral notice for precise legal text, the confirmed list of candidates, the exact financial guarantee mechanics, and an official election date before publishing as a final, definitive story.