Veteran football administrator and businessman Florentino Pérez has been re-elected president of Real Madrid after defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the club's first contested election in two decades.
Perez secured about 65 percent of the vote, earning a new term that will keep him in office until 2030. The result extends his long-running leadership of the Spanish giants, during which the club has enjoyed significant domestic and European success.
The 79-year-old faced a stronger-than-expected challenge from businessman Riquelme, who campaigned on governance reforms and ambitious transfer promises. However, Perez maintained the backing of a clear majority of club members.
Following his victory, Perez pledged to continue working to keep Real Madrid competing for major trophies and to strengthen the club both on and off the pitch.
His re-election is expected to usher in a new phase at the Santiago Bernabéu, with reports suggesting the return of coach José Mourinho and further high-profile transfer activity in the coming months.
