Real Madrid announce date for first presidential election in 20 years

Real Madrid have announced a date for the club’s first official election in two decades.

Club members are set to vote for their next president, ending a 20-year spell without a contested race for the role.

Current president Florentino Perez, who has led the club since 2009 during his second spell in charge, will face businessman Enrique Riquelme in the upcoming election. 

The club’s electoral board confirmed this week that voting will take place on June 7 in Madrid.

Members included in the official voting list will head to the Basketball Pavilion at Real Madrid City to cast their ballots during a full day of voting.

The plan is for the electoral process to proceed quickly to avoid delaying the club’s business, and the date has been confirmed in an official statement.

The election arrives at a crucial moment for the Spanish giants. Madrid have gone two straight seasons without winning a major trophy, sparking unrest around the club.

Frustration among supporters has grown in recent months, with criticism directed not only at Perez but also at star players such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Despite the criticism, Perez is still the clear favourite heading into the vote. Many supporters still credit him for building one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. 

Madrid strengthened their global image, modernised the Santiago Bernabeu and collected several major trophies under him.

Riquelme will need to convince the club members that a new direction is imperative. His potential victory also threatens the return of Jose Mourinho, who has agreed an initial two-year contract.