Mourinho hopes Nadal’s fans will keep backing him after Real Madrid board nomination

Jose Mourinho has welcomed Rafael Nadal’s proposed appointment to the Real Madrid board, saying he hopes the tennis great’s supporters will not stop backing him because he is now part of the Spanish club.

Real Madrid’s board nominated Nadal for a position on the club’s board of directors at a meeting held on Wednesday, 4 November. The proposal will now be submitted to the General Assembly of Representative Members for approval.

“Rafael Nadal and Real Madrid? I take my hat off to both of them. It is fantastic news. Congratulations to the club and to Nadal,” Mourinho told reporters.

“What I would like to say is that I hope the fans who support him do not stop supporting him simply because he is now a member of Real Madrid.”

The club confirmed that Nadal, who is member number 67,778 and an honorary member, had been put forward for the role.

“Having someone of Rafael Nadal’s stature join our board is a source of great pride for Real Madrid and the entire Madridista family, given his sporting achievements and personal qualities as a true icon of Spanish and world sport,” the club said in an official statement.

“Nadal will contribute to the club’s present and future through this position.”

Nadal is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history. He won 92 singles titles, including 22 Grand Slam titles, as well as two Olympic gold medals and five Davis Cup titles with Spain. He also reached the top of the world rankings.

Real Madrid said Nadal’s importance extended beyond his achievements on the court. The club highlighted his humility, competitive spirit, respect for opponents and commitment to helping others.

“These values are an essential part of Real Madrid’s identity,” the club added. “Nadal has embodied and defended them throughout his career, becoming a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.”

Nadal thanked Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and the club’s board in a message posted on X.

“I would like to thank president Florentino Perez and the Real Madrid board for nominating me to join the club’s board of directors,” he wrote. “I accepted this proposal with great enthusiasm, a desire to learn and a willingness to give everything I can to help serve the club.”

Nadal has previously revealed that he would like to become Real Madrid president at some point in the future.