Real Madrid

Real Madrid election results: What Florentino Pérez’s victory means for the club

From José Mourinho’s proposed return to a potential blockbuster signing and major governance reforms, here’s what could come next at Real Madrid.

JAVIER GANDUL

Manu de Juan Sergio López Roddy Cons

Update: Jun 7th, 2026 18:58 EDT

Make us preferred on Google

Florentino Pérez has secured another term as Real Madrid president, extending one of the most successful and influential leadership eras in world soccer.

After defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme, Pérez now turns his attention to delivering on a series of ambitious promises that helped define the election campaign, including the return of José Mourinho, two defensive signings and a blockbuster transfer pursuit worth more than €150 million (roughly $173 million).

The election was shaped by fierce debate over the club’s future ownership structure, transfer strategy and long-term vision. Throughout the campaign, Pérez repeatedly defended his record while criticizing many of Riquelme’s proposals.

Now, with the vote behind him, attention shifts to what his next term could look like.

Florentino Pérez: The key facts

Florentino Pérez Rodríguez, born in Madrid in 1947, is Real Madrid member No. 1,484. He has served as chairman of construction giant ACS since 1992 and has led Real Madrid since 2009 during his current spell in office. His first presidency ran from 2000 to 2006.

Under Pérez, Real Madrid has enjoyed one of the most successful periods in club history, both on and off the field. His latest victory ensures he will continue overseeing the club’s sporting and business operations during a pivotal period.

New benefits for Real Madrid members

One of Pérez’s key campaign pledges involved improving the experience of club members.

He promised that thousands of season tickets reclaimed from unauthorized resale activity would be redistributed to supporters who have spent years on waiting lists.

“We’re going to keep improving, with special attention paid to members without season tickets,” Pérez said during the campaign.

He also pledged to provide every club member with an exclusive annual jersey that would not be made available for retail sale.

Pérez rejected Riquelme’s proposal to build a dedicated “Member City” complex. Instead, he has championed plans for a technology district inspired by Silicon Valley.

Mourinho return moves closer

One of the most eye-catching promises of Pérez’s campaign was his intention to bring José Mourinho back to Real Madrid.

The Portuguese coach previously spent three seasons at the club between 2010 and 2013, helping restore competitiveness during a period dominated by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.

Pérez made no secret of his admiration for Mourinho’s first spell.

“I’m excited about it. He can be a catalyst. He made us more competitive, and after he left we started winning Champions Leagues again,” Pérez said.

The Real Madrid president has reportedly been willing to pay Benfica’s €15 million (approximately $17.3 million) release clause to secure Mourinho’s return.

As AS has previously reported, Mourinho has already identified West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes as a potential transfer target.

Konaté and Dumfries expected to strengthen defense

Pérez also claimed during the campaign that two transfer deals were already effectively completed.

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté is expected to arrive after allowing his contract to expire, while Inter Milan wingback Denzel Dumfries could join through a €20 million (approximately $23 million) release clause.

The pair would be viewed as long-term replacements for David Alaba and Dani Carvajal.

Both players were presented by Pérez as signings that were already well advanced before the election result was decided.

The hunt for Real Madrid’s next Galáctico

Perhaps the biggest promise of the campaign involved the pursuit of another superstar signing.

Pérez revealed that one of his first actions after winning the election would be to submit an offer for a Champions League player valued at more than €150 million ($173 million).

During the campaign he ruled out Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku and Harry Kane as potential targets.

Although Pérez publicly downplayed links to Michael Olise, AS understands that the France international remains the player he would most like to bring to the Santiago Bernabéu.

If pursued, any deal would rank among the most expensive transfers in soccer history.

Ownership reform becomes the next battleground

While transfers generated many of the headlines, the most consequential issue of the election may prove to be Pérez’s proposed changes to Real Madrid’s ownership model.

The president repeatedly rejected accusations from Riquelme that he intended to privatize the club.

Instead, Pérez argued that his reforms would strengthen members’ relationship with Real Madrid while ensuring the institution remains in supporter hands.

He even stated before a notary that he was committed to ensuring that “the club and its financial assets always belong to its members.”

The next stage of the process is expected to include an extraordinary assembly and, ultimately, a referendum among club members.

Having secured another term in office, Pérez now has the mandate to move forward with one of the most ambitious agendas of his presidency.

Whether that includes Mourinho’s return, major signings and sweeping structural reforms could define the next chapter in Real Madrid’s history.