Gareth Bale has publicly thrown his support behind Florentino Pérez ahead of Real Madrid's presidential election, posting a photograph alongside the incumbent with a two-word caption: "El Mejor" — "The Best."
The Welshman's social media endorsement comes just days before the June 7 vote, joining a growing list of club icons including Luka Modrić and Karim Benzema who have also used their platforms to back Pérez's candidacy against challenger Enrique Riquelme.
Bale's connection to Real Madrid runs deep, despite a sometimes complicated relationship with sections of the fanbase. His 2013 transfer from Tottenham Hotspur was one of the most intricate, protracted, and ambitious operations in modern football, a saga that tested Pérez's determination to land his latest "Galáctico."
That faith was repaid in spectacular fashion. Across nine seasons and 106 goals, Bale delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in the club's history — none more dramatic than his jaw-dropping bicycle kick in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool, a goal that helped secure Madrid's third consecutive European crown.
Equally iconic was his lung-busting sprint and finish in the 2014 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, where he outpaced Marc Bartra from the halfway line to score a winner that remains etched in Real Madrid lore. That goal, in particular, came to symbolize Bale's explosive peak and the immediate return on Pérez's investment.
Political currents are swirling at the Santiago Bernabéu as Florentino Pérez seeks another term. The veteran president, who has overseen an era of unprecedented success including multiple Champions League trophies and a stadium rebuild, faces an aggressive campaign from businessman Enrique Riquelme, who has deployed attention-grabbing tactics like a billboard reading "Se vende" (For sale).
In this context, Bale's message carries symbolic weight. As a player who experienced both the highs of glory and the lows of criticism under Pérez's leadership, his unambiguous "El Mejor" post serves as a reminder of the president's ability to attract and manage superstar talent — a key campaign narrative.
The timing is also notable. While Bale retired from professional football in 2023 after a stint with Los Angeles FC, his voice still resonates with the Madrid faithful. Along with Modrić and Benzema, he represents a golden generation that defined the club's modern identity, and their collective endorsement could sway undecided socios.
Moreover, the backing of legends underscores Pérez's long-term vision. The protracted and complex signing of Bale in 2013 exemplified a presidency never afraid to navigate difficult negotiations for top-tier talent, a stark contrast to Riquelme's outsider challenge which has yet to articulate a comparable sporting project.
As the June 7 vote approaches, the accumulation of endorsements from beloved figures could prove pivotal. Whether this will be enough to secure Florentino's re-election remains to be seen, but Bale's post adds another layer to a campaign that is rapidly heating up.
Based on reporting from Marca.
