Enrique Riquelme, a presidential candidate for Real Madrid, voiced his criticism on Sunday of rival Florentino Pérez, claiming he has “crossed a red line” by proposing to sell 5% of the club to an investor.
This Sunday, club members will cast their votes to elect the next president of Madrid, choosing between Pérez, 79, who has held the position since 2009, and Riquelme, 37, a renewable energy entrepreneur.
In an interview with El País, Pérez reiterated his proposal, first mentioned in a member speech last year, to allow an external investor to acquire a stake in the member-owned club.
“If someone were to buy even a small share, say 5%, it would help establish a valuation for the club,” Pérez stated.
In response, Riquelme told reporters later that day, “Florentino Pérez has crossed a red line. I am going to do the opposite. This week, I will go to a notary to officially document my commitment never to sell any part of Real Madrid to a third party, and I invite Florentino Pérez to join me.”
He added, “There are numerous strategies to boost revenue and cut expenses… The Florentino Pérez of two decades ago would never have considered selling.”
Real Madrid is one of four Spanish football clubs, along with Barcelona, Athletic Club, and Osasuna, that are managed by their members rather than as public companies.
Pérez contends that a shift “which ensures that members are the true owners of our club” is essential.
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Pérez mentioned, “We will remain a members’ club, but we plan to create a subsidiary owned by the members.” He indicated that the 5% stake for potential partners would be offered only if they respect the club’s values.
Both Pérez and Riquelme were present at Madrid’s women’s team match, where they won 2-0 against Granada in Liga F on Sunday.
This week’s elections represent the first held at the club since 2006, during which Pérez was subsequently re-elected uncontested in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025.