Enrique Riquelme Promises Major Signings for Real Madrid if Elected President

Riquelme's Ambitious Plans for Real Madrid

Madrid [Spain], May 26: Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid, has announced plans to sign two unnamed "international stars" to enhance the team's performance following a season without trophies, should he succeed in replacing the current president, Florentino Perez.

This upcoming presidential election marks the first in twenty years for the club, with Riquelme's candidacy receiving the green light from the electoral commission on Sunday. The elections were prompted by Perez after Real Madrid's defeat in the La Liga title race to Barcelona, which was sealed during the recent 'El Clasico' match.

In an interview with ABC, as reported by ESPN, Riquelme stated, "We have two international stars signed. I have an agreement that if I become president, two significant international players will join Real Madrid, essential for our sporting project in the short, medium, and long term."

He hinted that he might reveal the identities of these players during his two-week campaign, which he officially launched on Monday near the Bernabeu Stadium.

Perez has led the club since 2000, with a brief hiatus after resigning in 2006, and has been re-elected unopposed in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025.

Additionally, ESPN reports that former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reached a preliminary agreement for a two-year contract to return as coach, although the timeline for official confirmation remains uncertain due to the ongoing electoral process.

This season began with Xabi Alonso at the helm, but he was dismissed in January and succeeded by reserve team coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Riquelme commented, "If I become president, we will assess Mourinho's return. However, we aim to establish a long-term project... It was a mistake to let Alonso go; he needed more time and the opportunity to make decisions," he remarked.

While he expressed admiration for Jurgen Klopp, he refrained from naming a preferred coach, stating, "Real Madrid cannot afford to experiment with coaches. Perhaps Arbeloa wasn't the right choice at that moment."

He also indicated that a sporting director would be appointed if he wins the election, saying, "I have someone in mind, and we will announce it soon."

Regarding the absence of Real Madrid players from Spain's FIFA World Cup squad, he expressed disappointment, stating, "It saddens me. However, this reflects years of inadequate professional management. When decisions are made in offices rather than by those knowledgeable in sports management, such outcomes occur," he concluded.