Perez Re-elected at Real Madrid, Paving Way for Mourinho Return
Florentino Perez has been re-elected as club president of Real Madrid by a wide margin, strengthening the prospect of a return for former manager Jose Mourinho.
The 79-year-old, who has led the club across two spells spanning more than two decades, secured about 65 per cent of votes from roughly 100,000 members of the club’s “socio” electorate, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme.
“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” Perez said after the result was announced on Sunday night.
The outcome is expected to clear the path for Mourinho’s appointment, with reports suggesting he could be named manager as early as Monday.
Madrid are said to be prepared to pay a reported €15 million release fee to bring Mourinho in from Benfica.
Perez praised the prospect of the Portuguese coach’s return, describing him as “one of the best coaches in the world” and a “Madridista”.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during a highly charged rivalry with Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.
His potential return comes after Madrid ended the 2025/26 season without a major trophy for a second consecutive year, increasing pressure on the club’s leadership to reset.
Riquelme, the defeated candidate, had campaigned on a contrasting vision, including a pledge to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland if elected.
