Real Madrid's president now has a rival for the first time.

After nearly two decades, Florentino Perez is finally facing a real power struggle.

"Heritage and the Future"

Last weekend (local time), Real Madrid's Electoral Council approved Enrique Riquelme as its candidate. On June 7th, members will vote to elect a new president for a term lasting until 2030. This will also be the first election since 2006, ending a 20-year period in which Florentino Perez had no opponent in his re-election bids.

Young businessman Enrique Riquelme hopes to bring a breath of fresh air to Real Madrid. (Photo: AS)

At 79, Perez is still considered a symbol of power at the Bernabeu after leading Real Madrid to European dominance with 7 Champions League titles. However, young businessman Riquelme is creating a strong wave of challenge. The chairman of the energy group Cox Energy makes no secret of his ambition to overthrow Perez's "empire" with a large-scale investment campaign.

Riquelme insisted he wasn't participating just for the sake of publicity. The 37-year-old businessman said he had spent a huge amount of money on the campaign, while emphasizing his goal was to build a more modern management model for the Spanish royal football club.

The slogan "Heritage and Future" is seen as a direct message to those who want to see a renewed Real Madrid after years under Perez's control.

Florentino Perez has gone through five consecutive re-election campaigns without facing any real opponents.

The return of Jose Mourinho

"After 20 years, Real Madrid members can finally vote. This is not an election against anyone, but for Real Madrid. We have a very exciting, serious, and professional project, both on and off the pitch. I hope the members will not be afraid. Be brave enough to listen and choose the right candidate," Riquelme stated.

Meanwhile, Perez's side quickly launched their election campaign by displaying a large banner at the Bernabeu during Real Madrid's match against Athletic Bilbao on the morning of May 24th. The banner emphasized the time and place where Real Madrid would win the Champions League under Perez's leadership, and also featured the slogan "Many new milestones will be set."

The incumbent president understands that past achievements remain his greatest "weapon" against an opponent like Riquelme, who lacks experience in professional football management. In the most recent election Perez participated in (2004), he won overwhelmingly with 21,337 votes, accounting for 91.36% of the total valid votes.

The contract to bring Jose Mourinho back to manage Real Madrid has been postponed until after the election.

On the other hand, the most notable aspect of this election lies in its direct impact on the team's personnel plans, particularly the return of Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese coach has reached a verbal agreement to return to manage Real Madrid, but Perez has yet to sign a formal contract.

According to AS (Spain), Mourinho has also submitted a report outlining the positions that need strengthening at Real Madrid. Based on an analysis of "Los Blancos'" recent matches, he requested the addition of a central defender, a full-back, a defensive midfielder, and an attacking midfielder. However, all transfers will be put on hold until the presidential election is completed.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/chu-tich-cua-real-madrid-lan-dau-co-doi-thu-196260527193247756.htm