Real Madrid members cast ballots in the club's first presidential elections in two decades, with incumbent Florentino Pérez facing challenger Enrique Riquelme. Pérez, 79, called the vote after back-to-back trophyless seasons, while Riquelme, 37, pledged to appoint Jürgen Klopp as coach and sign Erling Haaland.

Pérez countered by promising €150 million for an attacking signing if re-elected, while announcing José Mourinho's return as coach and new signings Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries. By 1 p.m., 12,651 members had voted at Valdebebas, representing 16.82% of the total membership.

The election marks a significant shift for one of Spain's four member-owned clubs, as Riquelme called it "a referendum" after casting his vote. Pérez previously faced no opposition in five consecutive electoral cycles since 2009.