Real Madrid’s Board of Directors has announced that the presidential election process will begin on January 7, 2025, with a decision expected by the end of the month. If, as expected, Florentino Perez is the only candidate, the process could be quick. Strict requirements for candidates, along with the club’s strong financial and sporting health, make competition unlikely.
Perez was re-elected in 2021 after a brief 13-day process, a stark contrast to previous elections that could last up to three months. This time, the aim is to keep the process short to avoid disruptions. The current president is not required to step down during the election, allowing the club to continue functioning normally.
Candidates must be Spanish citizens, have been members of the club for at least 20 years, and guarantee 15% of the club’s annual budget, which is currently 163 million euros. This prevents external investors or rivals without ties to the club from running for president.
Real Madrid’s member-ownership model remains rare in European football. However, Perez plans to reform the statutes, allowing members to purchase shares in the club, each costing over 60,000 euros. This would also open the door to external investors, but the Real Madrid Foundation would retain majority control.
Perez also plans a possible IPO of 10% of the club’s capital, potentially valued at 1 billion euros. In the early years, shares could only be sold to family members or the Foundation, ensuring control remains with the Foundation and Perez.
