Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has had his first big publicity stunt of his campaign.
The 37-year-old green energy billionaire is taking on Florentino Perez on June 7th, and is ramping up his bid.
Perez has already erected posters of the Champions League titles won under him and is in Budapest for PSG vs Arsenal.
However, he may have noticed a familiar face on his way into the Puskas Arena.
Riquelme put out a number of buses with his face and the words: “Enjoy the night, we’ll be back.
“Rivals come and go. Real Madrid returns.”
The comments reference Madrid’s incredible history in Europe with by far the most European Cups at 15.
However, their last triumph was in 2025, and they haven’t looked like heading back since, even ending the current season trophyless.
Perez’s attendance at the final was particularly surprising given his conflicts with UEFA, who he took on with the failed ‘European Super League’.
Riquelme has virtually no chance of beating Perez in the elections, with the challenge seen more as an attempt to gain support for a later attempt.
Yet his efforts to make more of a dent have been hampered by a number of acts by Perez.
The current president reportedly blocked a high-profile TV presenter from leading Riquelme’s campaign launch, making it somewhat of a non-event.
He also continues to insist he won’t take part in a head-to-head TV debate.
Talking about his rival, Riquelme said: “Real Madrid deserves much more than noise, lies, self-serving rumours, and smear campaigns among Madridistas who share the same love for the club and which should never be used to limit democracy at Real Madrid.
“In recent hours, we have sadly witnessed how Mr. Florentino Pérez and those closest to him have opted for personal attacks and tension instead of fostering a calm and elegant debate befitting the greatest sporting institution in the world.
“Once again, and for the third time in public appearances, Florentino Pérez’s attitude and behavior are unacceptable, questioning the integrity and legitimacy of our candidacy, despite it having been declared valid by the Electoral Board in accordance with the Statutes and Electoral Rules of the Club.”
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