Florentino Perez has been re-elected president of Real Madrid by an overwhelming majority, setting the stage for the return of Jose Mourinho as manager.
The 79-year-old, who has now led the club for 23 years across two spells, secured 65 per cent of votes from about 100,000 “socio” members, defeating 37-year-old challenger Enrique Riquelme, the club announced on Sunday night.
“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” Perez said in his victory speech.
The result is expected to clear the way for Mourinho to be announced as Real Madrid’s new manager as early as Monday.
The Portuguese coach is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu 13 years after leaving, with reports suggesting the club will pay Benfica a release fee of around €15 million ($17.25 million) to secure his services.
“We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the best stadium in the world,” Perez said.
“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho.”
Mourinho first took charge of Real Madrid in 2010 and spent three seasons at the club, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
His expected appointment marks a bold gamble for Perez after Real Madrid finished the 2025/26 season without a major trophy for a second consecutive year.
In a brief video shared on Perez’s campaign Instagram account, Mourinho appeared wearing a Real Madrid shirt and simply said: “Yes.”
Defeated candidate Riquelme had pledged, during his campaign, to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland had he won the presidency.
