Enrique Riquelme concedes Real Madrid election to Florentino Perez with 35% vote

Enrique RiquelmeOSCAR J BARROSO / SPAIN DPPI / DPPI VIA AFP

Florentino Pérez was re-elected president of Real Madrid on June 10, securing 65% of the vote against challenger Enrique Riquelme, who received 35%. The election took place in Madrid, with Riquelme conceding defeat and calling for a constructive dialogue about the club’s future.

Enrique Riquelme, who received 35% of the vote in the Real Madrid presidential election held on June 10, conceded despite his defeat by Florentino Pérez, who secured 65%. Riquelme issued a statement congratulating Pérez and called for a constructive debate about the future of madridismo, emphasizing the need to listen to club members.

The 37-year-old candidate from Cox noted the swift rise of his candidacy, formed only weeks before the vote, which managed to unite thousands of members behind a platform advocating for a different approach. “There is an alternative. There is a future. There is a different way to build, to listen, and to put the members at the center,” Riquelme declared in his message.

He thanked the madridistas who supported him and emphasized that his campaign’s outcome demonstrated that there is room in the club for a new vision. Riquelme assured that even though the election campaign has ended, his movement will continue to represent members who desire Real Madrid to remain in their hands.

The full letter reflected on the journey of his candidacy, inspired by the idea that Real Madrid truly belongs to its members, history, and supporters. He closed with a resolve to keep fostering open dialogue and to be “the voice of those who believe that Real Madrid should remain in the hands of its members.”