Rafael Nadal nominated for Real Madrid board role

Rafael Nadal is set to move into the Real Madrid boardroom after the club agreed to propose the tennis great’s appointment for approval by its members.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion was invited to join the club’s board of directors following a meeting on 4 November. Real Madrid said the decision would be put before the General Assembly of Delegated Members for ratification.

Nadal, 39, is already an honorary member of Real Madrid. The club said his achievements in sport and his character made him a fitting addition to its board.

“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 Spaniard won 92 singles titles during a career which also brought him two Olympic gold medals. He helped Spain win the Davis Cup five times and spent periods as the world’s number one player before retiring in November 2024.

Real Madrid also praised Nadal’s humility, his respect for opponents and his dedication to charitable work. The club said those qualities were consistent with its own identity.

Nadal said he was grateful for the invitation from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and the rest of the board.

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

The appointment will require approval from the club’s members before Nadal formally takes up the position.

His links with Real Madrid have previously extended beyond an honorary association. Nadal has been mentioned as a possible successor to Perez as president, although he has played down suggestions that he could eventually seek the role.