Enrique Riquelme has officially presented his candidacy for the Real Madrid presidency along with the members who would form his Board of Directors.

During an event held on Pradillo Street in Madrid, the businessman once again warned about the possibility of the club moving toward privatization if changes are not made.

"Real Madrid will cease to belong to its members with privatization," he stated. "This isn't a last-minute decision; we've been working on this since 2021. These elections are especially important. We mustn't forget that Real Madrid is a global entity, but the club belongs to its members."

Riquelme focused a large part of his presentation on the relationship between the club and its members, questioning the current benefits available to supporters.

"What does it mean to be a Real Madrid member? Priority in buying football or basketball tickets? I don't know anyone who's a non-season ticket holder who can actually buy them, and then the resale market floods it. The discount at the club store... other unofficial stores offer bigger discounts. And the right to choose, but 20 years without elections. And the show-of-hands voting system for delegate members is another story altogether..."

The presidential candidate also outlined plans to revive the social club concept at Valdebebas through a modern project centered around a new “Club House” for members.

"Between 2006 and 2026, that has been gradually lost, and the club will cease to belong to its members with privatization, and this is one of the reasons why I stepped forward. If I am president, Madrid will once again belong to its members."

Riquelme explained that Valdebebas would become one of the main pillars of his project.

"In Valdebebas, there's a section that was supposed to be for club members, but there's nothing there. Even the away fans have better seats than season ticket holders at the Bernabéu. I went to Valdebebas the other day for the first time to present the bid, and there are historic supporters' clubs whose prize was a visit to Valdebebas, and they've been waiting for seven years."

He also revealed plans for future developments, including a hotel for members and a new venue for concerts.

"There are more than 40 hectares for the future, and we have a three-phase project. You can't pay 300 or 400 euros per ticket... We want the hotel, which will be located in that area, to literally be a home for the members. Another pavilion, in phase 3, for concerts, which is where they should be held."

Finally, Riquelme described the proposed “Club House” as the centerpiece of his vision for the club’s future.

"The clubhouse is the heart of the project, of this member's city, the home of Real Madrid fans, where we'll be able to enjoy away matches, and where members' families can visit. It's a new club model, a project for the members. It's normal that people want to know who you're going to sign, but we're in the first phase, the social aspect. It was important to talk to the members first."

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