Today, Real Madrid’s presidential campaign has taken a dramatic turn.
Challenger Enrique Riquelme, who is running against longtime president Florentino Pérez, appeared on Spanish television program El Hormiguero carrying a notarized document and making perhaps the boldest promise of the election cycle: if elected president, he will sign both Erling Haaland and Rodri for Real Madrid.
Riquelme unveiled what he described as a personal notarized guarantee. If he fails to deliver on those transfer promises,
he says he will personally cover the annual membership fees of every Real Madrid socio.
The Haaland Announcement
During his appearance with host Pablo Motos, Riquelme revealed Haaland as a centerpiece of his sporting project. Wearing a shirt bearing the Norwegian striker’s name, he claimed that the Manchester City star has a contractual clause and a desire to eventually play for Real Madrid.
“I’ve signed a personal guarantee,” Riquelme said. “If I don’t fulfill my promise of bringing the players I’ve announced, I will pay 100% of the membership fees of Real Madrid’s members.”
However, the claim quickly encountered resistance.
Shortly after the broadcast, Haaland’s representatives moved to distance themselves from the announcement. Agent Rafaela Pimenta and Haaland’s father, Alfie Haaland, released a statement denying that any agreement existed.
“Very entertaining, but it’s not true,” the statement read. “We wish both candidates the best in the Real Madrid elections.”
Not Just Haaland: Rodri, Raúl, and Hierro
Haaland is only one component of Riquelme’s proposed overhaul.
The businessman has already announced that Manchester City’s Rodri would be another marquee signing under his presidency. He has also outlined major structural changes, including appointing club legend Raúl González as sporting director and Fernando Hierro as head of the academy system.
Riquelme has repeatedly framed these appointments as an effort to place club icons in key positions throughout the organization.
Speaking about Rodri, Riquelme described the midfielder as a Ballon d’Or-caliber player and a profile that addresses one of Madrid’s most important sporting needs.
“If I’m president,” he said, “Rodri will play for Real Madrid.”
How Much Would the Guarantee Cost?
The financial risk attached to Riquelme’s promise is substantial.
Based on Real Madrid’s latest membership figures, the total amount required to cover annual membership fees would exceed €12 million.
The club currently has just over 98,000 registered members. Most adult members pay approximately €174 per year, while retirees and younger members pay reduced rates. Children under 11 and members with more than 50 years of continuous membership are exempt from fees altogether.
Using the current membership structure, estimates place the potential cost of Riquelme’s guarantee at roughly €12.3 million if he fails to complete the signings he has publicly pledged.
Echoes of Florentino’s Famous Figo Promise
In 2000, Florentino Pérez stunned the football world by promising to sign Barcelona star Luís Figo. To convince skeptical voters, Pérez pledged that he would personally reimburse season ticket holders if he failed to complete the transfer.
The move helped propel him to victory, and Figo ultimately arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Riquelme appears to be borrowing from that playbook, though with significantly higher stakes. Rather than one superstar signing, he has tied his credibility to two major acquisitions while extending financial compensation to the club’s entire membership base.
Opposition to Potential Ownership Changes
Beyond transfers, Riquelme has attempted to center his campaign around club governance.
A recurring theme throughout his public appearances has been the idea that Real Madrid must remain under member ownership. He has repeatedly argued that the upcoming election should be viewed as a referendum on the club’s future structure.
“I commit that if I’m president, the club will belong to its members,” he said during the interview.
Riquelme has criticized what he perceives as discussions about selling or privatizing the club, positioning himself as a defender of Real Madrid’s traditional ownership model.
His platform also includes a proposal to create a new “Members’ City” in Valdebebas and a temporary 50 percent reduction in membership fees until the club wins another Champions League title.
Criticism of the Current Leadership
Riquelme suggested that two decades without meaningful electoral opposition may have contributed to excessive concentration of power, arguing that greater transparency and accountability are needed.
At the same time, he emphasized that he would run the club differently from a sporting perspective.
According to Riquelme, a president should focus on governance, finances, and strategic oversight rather than interfering in football decisions.
“The president cannot decide lineups,” he said. “You have to put the right people in the right positions and let them work.”
Coaching Plans Still Under Wraps
One notable detail remains unresolved.
Although Riquelme confirmed that José Mourinho is not the coach he would choose for his project, he declined to reveal the identity of his preferred candidate.
Instead, he teased an imminent announcement, claiming that his preferred choice is a figure widely supported by Madrid supporters.
