Enrique Riquelme
Spanish businessman
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Enrique Riquelme (born 9 January 1989) is a Spanish businessman. He is the founder of COX Energy, a company in the renewable energy field. In 2026, he announced his candidacy for the Real Madrid Presidential Elections against current president Florentino Pérez.[1][2] He was born in Cox, Alicante.
Real Madrid presidential candidacy
Riquelme announced his candidacy to run for President of Real Madrid on 21 May 2026[3] following current president Florentino Pérez's call for new board of directors elections. This was following a trophy-less season which saw the departure of manager Xabi Alonso midway through January and the appointment of Real Madrid Castilla manager Álvaro Arbeloa.[4] This was the first contested Real Madrid presidential election since 2006 with incumbent president Pérez being unopposed in the last five electoral cycles.[5][6]
During a television appearance on 3 June, Riquelme presented a Real Madrid jersey which bore the last name of Erling Haaland on the back with Riquelme claiming that the Norwegian striker would join the club if he were elected president.[7] Riquelme further claimed that Haaland expressed desire to play for Real Madrid and had a release clause available despite his current contract tying him with Manchester City through 2034.[8] Both Haaland's father Alfie and his agent Rafaela Pimenta have denied the claims alongside Manchester City who expressed consideration for legal action.[9]
Riquelme revealed that Raúl would assume the position of Sporting Director, and Fernando Hierro would become Director of the Real Madrid academy, La Fábrica. On 5 June, Riquelme pledged to bring the German coach Jürgen Klopp, who he believes suits Real's status and ambitions.[10]
Riquelme would go on to lose the election against Pérez receiving 11,814 votes representing 35% of the total.[11] Enrique conceded the loss and congratulated Pérez while affirming that Real shall not remain anymore 20 years without elections.[12] He requested that the members be responsible for taking decisions and all matters connected to the club.[13]