Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez announced Tuesday that he is calling early elections for the club presidency to defend the socios [1, 2].
The move comes as Pérez seeks to validate his leadership and secure the club's structural future amid internal and external pressures. By triggering an early vote, the president aims to neutralize opposition and establish a renewed mandate from the membership.
Speaking during a press conference at the Ciudad Deportiva de Valdebebas, Pérez said the decision was intended to open a new path and protect the club's future [1, 2]. He characterized the timing as a response to a campaign he said is attacking both him and the institution [3, 2].
"Convoco elecciones para defender a los socios," Pérez said [2].
Despite the call for elections, Pérez clarified that he is not stepping down from his current role. He addressed rumors regarding his departure during the event. "Lamento decirles que no voy a dimitir," he said [4].
The president, who is 79 years old [1], linked this political maneuver to a broader vision for the organization's governance [1]. This vision includes a proposed new club model that would target 100,000 socios to act as guardians of the club's assets [5].
Throughout the announcement, Pérez said that external forces were attempting to destabilize the club's leadership. "Aprovechan para atacarme a mí," Pérez said [3].
The announcement on May 12, 2026, marks a significant shift in the club's administrative timeline, a move that puts the presidency's tenure to a direct vote earlier than scheduled [2].
“"Convoco elecciones para defender a los socios"”
This decision represents a preemptive strike by Pérez to solidify his power base. By calling for elections while simultaneously proposing a new membership model of 100,000 guardians, he is attempting to redefine the relationship between the club's leadership and its members. This strategy aims to transform a moment of vulnerability—the alleged campaign against him—into a formal endorsement of his long-term governance project.
