Spanish businessman Enrique Riquelme has confirmed that he will run against Florentino Perez in the presidential elections for Real Madrid. He made this known on Saturday after submitting his candidacy paperwork.
"Today is a very important day for Real Madrid, after 20 years, people are going to be able to vote," Riquelme said as he left the club's offices.
Perez has held the president position since 2009 and has not faced any challengers until now.
If Real Madrid's electoral board accepts Riquelme's candidacy, the campaign period will start. The election is expected to take place about two weeks later.
Riquelme, 37, is a renewable energy entrepreneur. He moved quickly after Perez called for elections on May 12, creating a short window for candidates to step forward.
He is the president of the water and energy group Cox. Riquelme is the first person to challenge construction tycoon Perez since 2004.
Perez, 79, first became Real Madrid president in 2000. He led the club during its Galactico era before stepping down in 2006.
He returned in 2009 when he was the only candidate and has been re-elected without opposition in 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025.
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