Rafael Nadal set to join Real Madrid Board after Perez invitation

MADRID: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is preparing for a new chapter beyond the court, with Spanish football giants Real Madrid moving to appoint the 22-time Grand Slam champion to their Board of Directors.

The club announced on Wednesday that its board had agreed to submit Nadal’s appointment to the General Assembly of Delegated Members for ratification following a meeting held on November 4.

Nadal, who is already an honorary member of Real Madrid, is expected to bring his sporting experience, reputation and leadership qualities to the club’s administration.

Welcoming the development, Real Madrid described the former world number one as an exceptional sporting figure whose achievements and personal values reflect the identity of the Spanish club.

“It is a source of immense pride for Real Madrid and for all our supporters that a figure of his sporting and personal stature is to join our Board of Directors,” the club said in a statement.

The 39-year-old Spaniard boasts one of the most remarkable careers in tennis history. He won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, secured 92 ATP tour singles trophies and claimed two Olympic gold medals.

He also played a key role in Spain’s five Davis Cup triumphs and reached the top of the world rankings during his illustrious career.

Beyond his achievements, Real Madrid highlighted Nadal’s humility, respect for opponents and charitable commitment as qualities that closely match the club’s traditions and values.

Nadal also expressed excitement about the opportunity, thanking Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and the board for their invitation.

“I have accepted this invitation with great enthusiasm, keen to learn and to contribute as much as I can,” Nadal wrote on social media.

The appointment has also revived speculation about Nadal’s possible future involvement in Real Madrid’s leadership. The tennis great has previously been mentioned as a potential successor to Perez, although he has played down suggestions that he could eventually become club president.

Perez, 79, secured another four-year term in June following Real Madrid’s first contested presidential election in 20 years.

More than a third of the voting members supported challenger Enrique Riquelme, who opposed proposals to introduce outside investment into the member-owned club.

Nadal retired from professional tennis in November 2024, bringing an extraordinary career to an end. His expected appointment now offers the Spanish sporting icon an opportunity to remain closely connected to the world of elite sport, this time through football administration.