Pérez faces first Real Madrid leadership election in 20 years

Florentino Pérez's two-decade grip on Real Madrid is set to be tested as the club prepares for its first presidential election in 20 years. The 79-year-old executive, who transformed the world's most valuable soccer club into a global powerhouse, faces a significant challenge from 37-year-old renewable energy executive Enrique Riquelme.

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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 was a child when Pérez first took the helm, has emerged as a credible rival after Pérez called early elections. Riquelme's campaign has gained momentum with the support of Real Madrid legends like Raúl González, Fernando Hierro, and Iker Casillas. He has promised to bring in top talent, including Manchester City star Erling Haaland and Spain midfielder Rodri, aiming to convince the club's 98,000 members that a change is needed.

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

Pérez, however, remains unfazed. He has a history of delivering on ambitious promises, famously signing Luis Figo during his first election campaign. The incumbent president has dismissed Riquelme's Haaland claims as a "bluff" and countered by announcing his own plan to secure "the most expensive transfer in the history of Real Madrid" after the election, valued at over 150 million euros ($173 million).

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

While Riquelme's camp insists Haaland wants to join Madrid, Manchester City has already refuted any possibility of negotiating the striker's sale. Haaland's agent also stated that the claims were "not true." The election is scheduled for Sunday, with the outcome poised to shape the future direction of the storied football club.

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It must be a bluff.