Grupo Cox chief Enrique Riquelme challenges Perez in historic Real Madrid election
Riquelme positions himself as a democratic alternative to incumbent Florentino Perez, citing two decades without an electoral contest and calling for an end to what he describes as the privatisation of the club’s governance structure.
Enrique Riquelme, executive chairman of Grupo Cox, has formally submitted his candidacy for the presidency of Real Madrid, marking the first contest for the club’s highest office since 2006. The Alicante-based businessman has presented his bid to the club’s Electoral Board, positioning himself as a serious alternative to incumbent Florentino Perez and framing his campaign around the restoration of democratic governance and the reversal of perceived privatisation.
Riquelme has been vocal in his criticism of the current governance model, arguing that the absence of elections for 20 years has eroded the foundational role of the club’s members. He described his candidacy as the culmination of a long-held ambition to support the institution from the administrative offices rather than the pitch, asserting that a healthy political environment requires a professional alternative for members to vote on.
Central to Riquelme’s platform is a commitment to reversing what he terms the privatisation of the club’s structure. He argued that under the current system, the member ceases to be the foundation of the institution, and the club no longer truly belongs to its supporters. His stated objective is to ensure that Real Madrid remains a member-owned entity for more than 120 years, restoring the values that he believes have been worn down over time.
On the sporting front, Riquelme confirmed the existence of a strategic plan involving significant talent acquisitions, though he declined to disclose specific identities. He asserted that the best players required by the club would join under his leadership, alongside a broader push for sporting professionalisation. He emphasised that the club must rebuild its reputation, stating that Real Madrid should be respected by footballing institutions rather than feared, and that he does not require a strong Barcelona to validate the club’s status.
Riquelme also targeted the club’s media operations, specifically Real Madrid Television (RMTV), for financial and editorial reform. Citing a budget of approximately €40 million to €45 million against negligible viewership shares of 0.1 to 0.2, he proposed transforming the channel into a profitable, non-sectarian outlet. He suggested leveraging the youth academy and global player base to create content that informs and entertains Madridistas worldwide, moving away from what he described as a sectarian approach.
