Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid's 79-year-old president, called early presidential elections on May 12, 2026, after two consecutive trophyless seasons and two years remaining on his term [1, 2, 3]. It marked the first contested election in over 20 years at the club, with Pérez and Enrique Riquelme, a renewables entrepreneur, as confirmed candidates [3, 4, 5].
Riquelme, founder of Cox Energy, informed Real Madrid's board of his presidential bid on May 21 and officially submitted his candidacy in person at the club's Valdebebas facilities on May 23 [1, 2, 3]. He said, "We are facing a historical moment in Real Madrid's history: for the first time in 20 years, the Real Madrid fans will be able to vote and choose their next president" [3]. He added the election "isn't a candidacy against anyone. It's in favour of Madrid. We have an exciting project... I'd ask the members not to be afraid" [5].
Riquelme founded Cox Energy in 2014, which specializes in solar power projects across Europe and Latin America and manages over 1.2 gigawatts of capacity in Spain [1, 2, 6]. The company acquired Iberdrola's Mexican assets in 2025 for $4.2 billion including debt [1, 2]. He also founded Grupo El Sol, the main contractor for the Panama Canal expansion completed in 2016 [1, 7].
His campaign calls for a more democratic club election process and greater member involvement [2, 6]. Riquelme presented an open letter to Pérez on May 13 advocating a combination of experience and renewal and criticizing the existing process as insufficiently democratic [2, 3]. He said he has agreements to sign two unnamed international stars if elected and promised to bring a Spanish national team player who appeared in the World Cup [8, 9].
Pérez dismissed Riquelme during a May 12 press conference as "that man who talks with the electric companies and who has a South American accent" and accused him of conspiring against Real Madrid [1, 7].
The 2025-26 Real Madrid season was turbulent, with internal strife leading to the January sacking of manager Xabi Alonso. Madrid finished second in LaLiga behind Barcelona [1, 3, 10]. Both candidates attended Real Madrid’s final league match on May 20, a 4-2 win over Athletic Club [5].
Reports suggest former coach José Mourinho has agreed verbally to a two-year deal to return to Real Madrid, but confirmation awaits the election outcome [5, 8]. Riquelme said he would evaluate Mourinho’s return if elected but emphasized the need for a long-term sports project, criticizing Alonso’s premature firing as a mistake [8].
The Real Madrid Electoral Commission will review Riquelme’s candidacy on May 24 and schedule the presidential vote expected for June 7, 2026 [3, 4, 5].
