Real Madrid’s 2026 Presidential Election Is Official — And Florentino Pérez Already Looms Large

Mijatović advises caution

Former Real Madrid striker and sporting director Predrag “Pedja” Mijatović believes Riquelme would be making a mistake by running now. Mijatović, who knows the Riquelme family personally, argued that challenging Florentino Pérez at this moment would be premature for the 37-year-old businessman. “He’s young and has time,” Mijatović explained during an appearance on Cadena SER. “If I were him, I wouldn’t rush into this — especially against Florentino Pérez.” The former Madrid executive suggested that the early election call leaves little time for a serious campaign and admitted that if Riquelme asked for advice, he would tell him not to run. Still, Mijatović acknowledged that pressure is mounting around Pérez after a disappointing sporting cycle. “At Real Madrid, two years without titles feels like ten anywhere else,” he said. Mijatović also delivered strong comments about the squad itself, arguing that the club needs major changes this summer. “I’ve always believed the issue isn’t only the coach — it’s also the players,” he said. “It may be time to make difficult decisions, even involving players who are currently idols.”

Public backing for Florentino Pérez

While political noise continues around the election, Pérez also received powerful public backing this week from Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid. Ayuso described Pérez as the greatest president in Real Madrid history and praised both his sporting and business leadership. “What he has done with the Bernabéu and with the club has projected Madrid across the world,” she said during an interview with esRadio. Ayuso also defended the regional government’s efforts to balance the Santiago Bernabéu’s growing event schedule with concerns from local residents, calling the renovated stadium “the best venue in the world” for large-scale events.

Rafa Nadal distances himself from speculation

Another major public figure forced to address the growing election conversation was Rafa Nadal. The tennis legend released a statement after speculation linked him to a potential Riquelme candidacy due to their business relationship. Nadal clarified that while he has a good relationship with Riquelme, he has enormous respect for Florentino Pérez and does not support any electoral project at this time. “In football, things escalate very quickly,” Nadal explained. “I wanted to make clear that I’m not involved.”

Florentino still firmly in control

Despite the noise surrounding the election, Pérez remains in an exceptionally strong position. No serious opposition has emerged in recent years, and even potential challengers continue speaking cautiously about the possibility of running against him. The shortened electoral timeline only increases the difficulty of mounting a viable campaign.