Vicente Boluda to Run as Presidential Candidate Against Florentino Perez in 2021

Florentino Perez will have a challenger in the 2021 Real Madrid presidential elections. Vicente Boluda, a socio since 1998, currently holds two master’s degrees — one of which is a legal degree in business advice and the second degree is in maritime law. At this current moment in time, he works as the president of the National Association of Shipowners and Tow-Trucks, he is a delegate in the Upper Counsel of the Chambers of Commerce, he is the first vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Industry / Navigation of Valencia, and the vice-president of the Spanish Shipping Association. He is from Valencia but formed as part of the board of directors at Real Madrid in 2006 when Ramon Calderon was elected.

During the Calderon era, Boluda quickly gained influence. By 2007, he had been named Vice-President after Juan Mendoza resigned and by 2009, he was acting President after Ramon Calderon had to resign due to the controversy surrounding his initial election. Boluda was in charge during Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout loss to Liverpool (1-0 loss at home and 4-0 at Anfield). Prior to the fixtures, Boluda had said Madrid would have no problem sweeping aside Liverpool. Needless to say, he had to formally apologize weeks later.

According to various spanish outlets (COPE, Marca, AS), in a lunch outing with Valencia journalist, Boluda claimed he has the funds to run for presidency and would sign three new players. “It’s not jut a possibility, I am going to present my candidacy. It’s good for the club that there are elections”, he was quoted as saying. Vicente Boluda has been openly critical of Florentino Perez in the past and it will be interesting to see if any other candidates come to the table or if Boluda’s own candidacy gains any traction.