Real Madrid launches presidential election process after Perez announcement

Madrid announced in a statement that candidates have a 10 day period until 23 May to submit their applications.

To qualify as a candidate, individuals must have been club members for 20 years and supply a deposit of 187 million euros, which represents 15 per cent of the clubs yearly budget and needs to be secured by personal guarantees.

Perez, re elected without opposition in January 2025 for a four year mandate, stated during a Tuesday press briefing that he intends to seek another term.

Reports from Spanish press indicate that Enrique Riquelme, head of the water and energy firm Cox, may decide to join the contest.

The renewable energy executive wrote a letter featured in various Spanish publications, requesting extra time from Perez to possibly put together a bid.

"In the 2000 elections, I did not seek additional time; I campaigned and emerged victorious," Perez remarked during a Wednesday appearance on La Sexta television.

Should several candidates participate, the election committee will reveal the schedule and location for the vote at the appropriate moment.

Without other challengers, Perez, aged 79, would keep his position, similar to the outcomes in the 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025 polls.

The Spanish entrepreneur initially became Madrid president in 2000, guiding the team through its Galactico phase, before stepping down in 2006.

Upon his 2009 comeback, Perez has led Madrid to five La Liga championships and an impressive six Champions League trophies, plus various additional honours.