Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has stated he has already secured agreements with two “major international stars” should he win the upcoming election, challenging incumbent Florentino Perez. The election, the first at the club in two decades, is scheduled for June 7th, and Riquelme has begun his campaign with the promise of significant changes both on and off the pitch.
Riquelme presented a €187 million bank guarantee on Saturday, fulfilling the requirement to contest the election. He has already launched criticisms of Perez’s recent decisions, particularly regarding the ongoing renovations at the Santiago Bernabeu, questioning the value for money after the project significantly exceeded its initial budget. He also challenged Perez to a public debate regarding the proposal to sell a percentage of the club and convert members into shareholders.
According to Diario AS, Riquelme stated his platform is “tremendously powerful and inspiring for the Madridismo,” and represents the “greatest transformational project in Real Madrid’s history.” He accused Perez of prioritizing financial concerns over the interests of the club’s members, citing an annual loss of €80 million and expenditure of €45 million per year on RMTV.
Beyond finances, Riquelme addressed potential changes to the footballing side of the club. He praised Jurgen Klopp as a “good manager and a good coach,” but acknowledged the more realistic managerial option may be Raul Gonzalez, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid Castilla in 2025. He also suggested the dismissal of Xabi Alonso was a mistake. Riquelme intends to reveal the identities of the two signed players in the coming weeks, according to RadioMarca.
The outcome of the election will significantly impact Real Madrid’s direction, with Riquelme presenting a clear alternative to Perez’s long-standing leadership. His focus on member involvement and potential high-profile signings could resonate with the club’s fanbase.
