The sudden announcement of presidential elections at Real Madrid has already sparked major debate around the club, but one name that continues to dominate the conversation is Enrique Riquelme.
The 37-year-old businessman from Alicante has now publicly admitted that he is seriously thinking about entering the race for the presidency, although a final decision has not yet been made.
His comments come at a time when uncertainty continues to surround the political future of the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy.
Riquelme’s name gained huge attention earlier this week after the current president, Florentino Perez, unexpectedly mentioned him as a possible candidate.
Since then, speculation has intensified across Spain regarding whether a genuine challenger could finally emerge against the long-time Real Madrid chief.
What was said?
🚨 BREAKING: Letter from Enrique Riquelme to Florentino Pérez:
"Dear President, Allow me to convey, before any other consideration, my sincerest respect and gratitude for all that you have represented for Real Madrid over these past decades."
"Under your leadership, Real Madrid… pic.twitter.com/NDhKLfWiJT
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) May 13, 2026
In an open letter published hours before his latest comments, Riquelme made it clear that he fulfils the necessary conditions required to stand for election at the club.
The businessman insisted that he meets both the financial and seniority demands tied to such a position.
Later, while speaking about his possible candidacy, Riquelme admitted that discussions are ongoing before any final commitment is made.
“I will decide in the coming days whether we take up the gauntlet, to see if there’s time to put something together.
“We’ll see if there’s time to do something that makes sense,” he said.
The businessman also touched on the timing of the elections, which many supporters did not expect to happen this early.
Originally, the next presidential process was projected to take place in 2028, making the recent developments all the more surprising.
While discussing the current situation surrounding the club, Riquelme suggested that this may not be the strongest moment in Real Madrid’s recent history.
“Real Madrid isn’t in the best shape right now. Theoretically, elections were scheduled for 2028, but they’ve been brought forward.
“As a Madrid fan, I’ll always be available for Real Madrid.”
Respect towards Perez
🚨‼️💥 Enrique Riquelme, el "empresario con acento mexicano" al que se refirió Florentino Pérez, habla en un Foro de @ElFinanciero_Mx sobre la posibilidad de presentarse a las elecciones al Real Madrid y la premura de la convocatoria pic.twitter.com/HFeJjqPwlQ
— MARCA (@marca) May 13, 2026
Despite being linked with a potential challenge to Perez, Riquelme was also careful to show respect towards the veteran president, who remains one of the most influential figures in the club’s history.
After Perez jokingly referred to a businessman in the electricity sector “with a Mexican accent,” Riquelme responded light-heartedly.
“I don’t know if that made the news, because sometimes I have a Mexican accent,” he said, laughing.
He then added further praise for the current president and the institution itself.
“As a Madrid fan, I have tremendous respect for the institution, for Real Madrid, and for President Pérez as well—both as a businessman and as president.
“He has surely been the best president in modern history.”
Riquelme closed his statement by once again underlining his loyalty towards the club.
“As a Real Madrid fan, I will always be available. And I will always act with Real Madrid’s best interests at heart.”