The race for the Real Madrid presidency has intensified ahead of Sunday’s election, with incumbent president Florentino Pérez and challenger Enrique Riquelme drawing global attention after invoking some of football’s biggest names in their campaigns.
Pérez appeared to strengthen speculation surrounding the return of José Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabéu by featuring the Portuguese manager in campaign-related promotional material, while Riquelme sparked controversy by suggesting that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland wants to join Real Madrid.
With club members set to vote on Sunday, the election has increasingly become a battle of vision, influence and star power, as both candidates seek to convince Madridistas they are best positioned to lead one of football’s most successful institutions.
Pérez, who has presided over some of the club’s most successful eras, fueled reports linking Mourinho with a sensational return to the Spanish giants. The veteran club president shared a video on social media featuring the former Real Madrid boss responding “Si” (“Yes”), alongside the campaign slogan: “MOUcha historia por hacer” (“So MOUch history to make”).
The message has been widely interpreted as a clear indication that Mourinho is Pérez’s preferred choice to take over as head coach should he secure another term in office.
Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, is reportedly poised for a second spell at the club following a trophyless campaign under current manager Álvaro Arbeloa. Real Madrid finished the season without winning a major title for the second consecutive year, increasing pressure for change both on and off the pitch.
While Pérez focused on the managerial position, his rival Riquelme turned attention to the transfer market during an appearance on a popular Spanish late-night television programme.
The 37-year-old entrepreneur, who built his reputation in the renewable energy sector, openly discussed plans to pursue Manchester City star Erling Haaland if elected president. During the programme, the show’s host displayed a mock Real Madrid jersey bearing Haaland’s name, prompting applause from the audience.
“Haaland has a clause (in his contract) and wants to come to Madrid,” Riquelme declared.
The comments triggered an immediate reaction from Manchester City, which moved swiftly to reject the claims and defend its position regarding the Norwegian striker’s future.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the Premier League champions said: “The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue.”
The club added: “There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it.”
City also indicated that it may take legal action over the use of Haaland’s image in the context of the election campaign.
“City is considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context,” the statement added.
The response underscores City’s determination to shut down speculation surrounding one of the world’s most valuable footballers. Haaland signed a new long-term contract with the English champions in January 2025, committing his future to the club until 2034 in what was widely reported as one of the most lucrative agreements in football history and the longest contract ever signed by a Premier League player.
Although City categorically denied the existence of any release clause that could facilitate a move to Madrid, the club’s statement notably made no reference to Spain international Rodri, another player Riquelme said he would attempt to bring to the Bernabéu if elected.
AP
