Nadal nominated to Real Madrid board pending member vote
Retired tennis champion Rafael Nadal has accepted a proposal to join Real Madrid's board of directors, with club members set to vote on the appointment later this month.
Rafael Nadal is set to join the board of directors of Real Madrid, the Spanish football club has announced, with members due to vote on approving the appointment at a meeting later this month. The retired tennis champion, a lifelong Real supporter who holds member number 67,778, confirmed he had accepted the proposal put to him by president Florentino Perez and the board.
In its statement, Real described Nadal as one of the greatest legends in sporting history and one of Spain's most admired and recognised athletes worldwide, adding that his arrival would be a source of pride for the club. Nadal responded on X by thanking Perez and the board and saying he had accepted with enthusiasm, a wish to learn and a readiness to contribute whatever he can. He also posted a photograph of himself as a child wearing the club's kit.
Nadal retired in 2024 after a career in which he won 22 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals, and helped Spain win five Davis Cups. It is not yet clear what specific responsibilities he would hold on the board.
The appointment comes amid a period of change at Real Madrid. Perez was re-elected in June to a further four-year term, having led the club since 2009, and he moved quickly to bring Jose Mourinho back for a second spell as head coach. The club is seeking to recover after a second consecutive season without a trophy in La Liga, the Champions League or the Copa del Rey.
Real currently sit third in the league after 11 matches, three points behind defending champions Barcelona. The announcement drew attention from supporters, with fans of both the club and Nadal treating the proposed board role as a notable link between two of Spain's most prominent sporting institutions.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
