Pérez faces challenge as Real Madrid presidential election looms

Real Madrid's presidential elections on Sunday will challenge Florentino Pérez's 20-year reign at the helm of the world's most valuable football club. Pérez, a 79-year-old executive credited with transforming Madrid into a global powerhouse, faces Enrique Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy executive making ambitious promises to sway the club's 98,000 members.

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Why do they want to kill me? Because there are some kids out there saying they want to run? Well, let them. I would love them to.

Riquelme, who gained prominence as a rival candidate after Pérez called early elections, has garnered support from former Madrid stars like Raúl González, Iker Casillas, and Fernando Hierro. Raúl is slated to become sports director under Riquelme, while Hierro would oversee the youth academy. Riquelme has also pledged to sign Manchester City's star striker Erling Haaland and midfielder Rodri, whose contract with City has one year remaining.

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If I am made president of Real Madrid on Sunday, Haaland will play for Real Madrid.

However, Riquelme's claim that "Haaland wants to come to Madrid" was dismissed by Manchester City, who stated no negotiations were planned for their top scorer, who is under contract until 2034. Haaland's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, also refuted the claim, calling it "all very entertaining but not true." Pérez dismissed Riquelme's assertions as a "bluff."

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All very entertaining but not true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Madrid elections.

Undeterred, Pérez announced his own post-election plan: the "most expensive transfer in the history of Real Madrid," estimated at over 150 million euros ($173 million). Pérez has a history of delivering on seemingly impossible promises, famously signing Luís Figo in 2000. He also hinted at potentially bringing back former coach José Mourinho and signing Liverpool defender [text cut off].

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It must be a bluff.