MADRID — On Wednesday, the presidential contenders for Real Madrid made significant announcements. Enrique Riquelme pledged to bring in Erling Haaland and Rodri if he takes office, while rival Florentino Pérez affirmed José Mourinho as his intended coach.
This Sunday, club members will decide between Riquelme, a 37-year-old entrepreneur focused on renewable energy, and Pérez, who at 79 has been at the helm for 23 of the past 26 years.
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This election marks the club’s first contested vote since 2006 and follows two consecutive seasons without a major trophy.
During a guest appearance on the popular Antena 3 show “El Hormiguero,” Riquelme—who has previously appointed club icons Raul Gonzalez and Fernando Hierro as his sporting director and academy head—stated he would cover members’ fees if he fails to secure Haaland and Rodri from Manchester City.
“If I do not deliver on my promises regarding these players, I’ve agreed to pay 100% of next season’s membership costs,” Riquelme said. “Haaland has a release clause and is eager to join Madrid.”
In response, a joint statement from Alfie Haaland, the striker’s father, and his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, dismissed any agreement with Riquelme: “It’s all very entertaining but false. We wish both candidates all the best in the Madrid elections.”
Haaland is under contract with Manchester City until 2034, and sources indicated to ESPN that his deal, signed in January 2025, is one of the richest in sports history, with no buyout clauses after his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Last week, Riquelme mentioned to ESPN that Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who has one year left on his contract with Man City, is “the type of player that should play for Real Madrid.” He added on Wednesday, “He’s a fantastic player, and Madrid needs to bolster that position. We’re speaking with his agent and respecting his club, but if I’m elected, he’ll join Madrid. I’ll do everything I can.”
On the other side, Pérez’s campaign confirmed on social media that Mourinho, who previously managed the team from 2010 to 2013, would be reinstated as coach should Pérez win the upcoming vote.
A brief video featured a smiling Mourinho donned in a Real Madrid shirt affirming his return with a simple, “yes.”
MOUcha historia por hacer. pic.twitter.com/7wLmDk8r2M
— Florentino 2026 (@Florentino2026_) June 3, 2026
Pérez also mentioned in an interview with Diario AS that Ibrahima Konaté would join Madrid if he continues his presidency.
ESPN reported on Tuesday that Madrid was close to finalizing an agreement with Konaté, who is now a free agent after leaving Liverpool.
“One of the world’s top defenders, Konaté will be a part of Real Madrid next season,” Pérez told AS. “And he won’t be the only top defender joining if I remain in charge.”