Florentino Pérez Secures Election Victory, But Questions Arise About His Leadership

MADRID, SPAIN - On November 16, 2025, prominent figures including Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, and Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid, were spotted at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu ahead of the NFL 2025 game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins. The event showcased the stadium's versatility and its role as a major sports venue in Spain.

In the latest edition of The Daily Merengue, discussions surrounding Real Madrid's future have intensified, particularly in light of Pérez's recent electoral victory. Although he has yet to be officially announced as the winner, reports indicate that he is expected to secure 66-67% of the votes against challenger Enrique Riquelme's 33-34%. This anticipated win reinforces Pérez's established position as a leading figure at the club.

However, the nature of this victory raises concerns. While winning is crucial, the margins and circumstances surrounding the election matter significantly. Riquelme, despite being a relatively unknown candidate, managed to attract nearly 35% of the votes, which could signal a disconnect between Pérez and certain segments of Real Madrid's fanbase. This indicates a potential desire for change, even amidst a weak campaign from Riquelme.

Critics argue that Pérez's ability to galvanize support may be waning, especially after two seasons without trophies and the dismissal of two popular managers. The fact that Riquelme's campaign, which lacked a solid plan and was more of a protest against the status quo, could still muster significant support is a troubling sign for Pérez. Observers question what might have happened had Riquelme been given more time to campaign or had Pérez engaged in a debate.

As Pérez himself stated, “Hemos ganado las elecciones y vamos a continuar trabajando para seguir ganando títulos,” indicating his determination to continue pursuing success. Nonetheless, the question remains: at what cost did this victory come, and what implications does it hold for the future of Real Madrid?