Real Madrid Election: Riquelme Says Raul Will Be Sporting Director If Elected

The race for the Real Madrid presidency gained fresh momentum on Tuesday after challenger Enrique Riquelme announced that club legend Raul Gonzalez would become Sporting Director if he wins Sunday’s election.

Riquelme unveiled the proposal during an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, presenting Raul as a key figure in his vision for the club’s future.

Raul, 48, remains one of Real Madrid’s most celebrated players. He scored 323 goals in 741 appearances and later managed the reserve side Real Madrid Castilla. He left the club in the summer of 2025 after Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso as first-team coach.

“If I win the election, Raul Gonzalez Blanco will be Real Madrid’s director of sport,” Riquelme said during the interview.

Current president Florentino Perez, who seeks another term in office, has not appointed a sporting director since returning to power in 2009.

Riquelme stressed the need for a stronger professional structure within the club. He said he had already discussed the project with Raul and expressed confidence in the former captain’s commitment to protecting Real Madrid’s interests.

Perez has not revealed major campaign appointments.

Spanish media reports continue to link former manager Jose Mourinho with a potential return if Perez secures victory.

Mourinho previously oversaw the final stage of Raul’s playing career before the striker departed the club in 2010.

Riquelme also promised to announce potential transfer targets and his preferred coaching candidate in the coming days.

Sunday’s vote marks Real Madrid’s first contested presidential election since 2006.

Perez subsequently secured the presidency unopposed in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025.

Club members will choose between Perez, 79, who has led the club since 2009, and renewable energy entrepreneur Riquelme, 37.

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