In a significant development in the world of football, Jose Mourinho is set to be confirmed as new Real Madrid head coach. This follows the re-election of Florentino Perez as the club's president until 2030.
Real Madrid, owned entirely by members who elect the president, recently held its first presidential election in two decades that featured a challenger. Renewable energy magnate Enrique Riquelme was up against incumbent Perez. However, with 65% of votes in his favor, Perez retained his position for another term.
Perez has been serving as president since 2009 and announced his re-election bid during an extraordinary news conference last month. He secured all of the in-person and postal votes counted, gaining a total of 21,741 votes compared to Riquelme's 11,814 (35%).
Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president, said:
"We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles. I am still here and I am here to defend Real Madrid. We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup.
"We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the best stadium in the world. Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members."
Mourinho-Perez connection
Mourinho’s appointment hinges on this election result because he signed a three-year deal last month to become head coach at Real Madrid. However, this contract would only be valid if Perez retained his role. The Portuguese manager is leaving Benfica after leading them to third place in Primeira Liga this season since taking charge last September.
This will not be Mourinho’s first stint with Real Madrid; he previously managed the team between 2010 and 2013. During that period he led them to several victories including La Liga title win along with Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup triumphs. Mourinho will replace Alvaro Arbeloa who took over only in January following Xabi Alonso's departure from managerial duties.
Real ended their previous campaign without any silverware while rivals Barcelona clinched La Liga title with a decisive El Clasico victory. However, Perez's re-election and Mourinho's imminent appointment could signal a new era for the club. Perez has promised to make a record offer for an unnamed "great player" if re-elected. With Mourinho at the helm, fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching Real Madrid’s performance in the upcoming season.
