Real Madrid CF officially launched their presidential election process on Thursday after current president Florentino Pérez confirmed his intention to call elections and stand once again.

In an official statement, the club announced that candidates will have until May 23 to submit their applications.

To qualify for the presidency, applicants must have been club members for at least 20 years and provide a financial guarantee of €187 million — equivalent to 15 per cent of the club’s annual budget — backed by personal assets.

Perez, who secured another four-year term unopposed in January 2025, revealed during a press conference on Tuesday that he intends to seek re-election.

According to Spanish media, Enrique Riquelme, president of water and energy company Cox, is weighing up a potential challenge.

In a letter published by several Spanish outlets, the renewable energy entrepreneur requested additional time to prepare a possible candidacy against Perez.

Responding on Spanish television channel La Sexta on Wednesday, Perez said: “When I stood in the 2000 elections, I didn’t ask for more time — I ran, and I won.”

If more than one candidate enters the race, the electoral board will confirm the date and venue of the voting process at a later stage.

If no challenger emerges, Florentino Pérez, 79, would continue in office unopposed, as was the case in the 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2025 elections.

The Spanish businessman was first elected president of Real Madrid CF in 2000, overseeing the start of the club’s famous “Galáctico” era before stepping down in 2006.

Since his return in 2009, Madrid have enjoyed a highly successful period, winning five La Liga titles and six European Cups, along with numerous other honours.