Florentino Pérez has officially launched the election process for Real Madrid’s presidency, reigniting debate over the stringent requirements candidates must meet. Contesting the white club’s top post is no easy feat: beyond a lengthy list of statutory conditions, hopefuls must also demonstrate significant personal wealth, with millions of euros in assets required.
The most formidable hurdle is financial. According to club statutes, candidates must provide a guarantee equivalent to 15% of Real Madrid’s annual budget, which currently stands at €1.28 billion. Specifically, any candidate must personally guarantee around €187 million using their own assets. This guarantee automatically takes effect upon election.
In addition to financial demands, long-term membership is mandatory. Presidential candidates must have been continuous members for at least 20 years, vice presidents for 15 years, and other board members for 10 years. These conditions were tightened during Florentino Pérez’s tenure through statutory reforms later upheld by the Supreme Court.
Candidates must also be Spanish nationals, of legal age, up-to-date with club fees, and not hold positions in other football entities or serve as active coaches, referees, or players. Furthermore, candidate lists must include at least 10 members and be submitted within 10 days of the election call. With these requirements, Real Madrid maintains one of the strictest electoral processes in European football, a model that has historically minimized the emergence of alternative presidential candidates.