FLORENTINO Perez has been re-elected president of Real Madrid after defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the club’s presidential election.
The election, held on Sunday, extended late into the night before Perez was declared the winner shortly before midnight. Riquelme subsequently conceded defeat and congratulated the incumbent president.
Perez faced the election amid growing scrutiny over the club’s recent performances, including two consecutive seasons without a major football trophy and the absence of Real Madrid players from the Spanish national team. Debate also surrounded proposals to sell part of the club to external investors despite Real Madrid’s long-standing 100 per cent member-owned structure, prompting Perez to call a snap election to reaffirm the support of club members.
Despite strong opposition, Perez ran an assertive campaign in the first contested presidential election he has faced since 2006. During the campaign, he announced the signings of Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konaté, confirmed the return of José Mourinho as head coach, and hinted at the arrival of another marquee signing next week.
Speaking at his victory press conference, Perez pledged to continue working to ensure the club’s success and expressed his ambition of winning a record-extending 16th UEFA Champions League title.
“I am still here, and I am here to defend Real Madrid. We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the sixteenth European Cup,” he said.
The 79-year-old president also hailed the Santiago Bernabéu as the best stadium in the world, formally welcomed Mourinho back to the club, and reassured members that Real Madrid would remain under their ownership.
“We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, the best stadium in the world. Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a madridista like José Mourinho.
“And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members.
“We must stay united, driven by our passion for Real Madrid. To those who did not vote for me, I will do everything possible to address your concerns.”
Perez begins what will be his eighth term as president. During his tenure, Real Madrid has won 76 trophies across football and basketball, including 37 football titles and 39 basketball championships. He is widely regarded as the most successful club president in European football history, having overseen seven UEFA Champions League triumphs.
