Florentino Pérez clinched Real Madrid presidency Tuesday night, winning 65% of the 33,555 validated votes. The contest, the first since 2006, pitted the 79‑year‑old incumbent against 37‑year‑old renewable‑energy magnate Enrique Riquelme. Fans queued at Valdebebas from sunrise, turning the basketball pavilion into a 60‑table polling hall despite scorching 86‑degree heat. The result was announced after midnight, as crowds erupted in chants of “Presidente!” across arena.

Pérez promised a €150 million splash for an unnamed Galáctico, while confirming arrivals of José Mourinho, Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries. Riquelme had pledged to sign Erling Haaland and Rodri and lure Jürgen Klopp as coach, framing the election as a referendum on privatising 5% of the member‑owned club. The vote exposed deep fan division after two trophy‑less seasons.

Beyond the roster, Pérez’s legacy includes the renovated Bernabéu, the Real Madrid City training complex and plans for a Silicon‑Valley‑style tech hub on adjacent land. Critics still cite his role in the failed European Super League and ongoing disputes with the Spanish federation. With Mourinho set to return, the club now faces a decisive test of whether star power can finally deliver silverware.