Madrid: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is set to take up a new role in football administration after Real Madrid proposed his appointment to the club’s Board of Directors. The 22-time Grand Slam champion accepted the proposal with enthusiasm, thanking club president Florentino Perez and the board for the opportunity.
Real Madrid announced the decision on Wednesday, November 4, following a meeting of its Board of Directors. However, Nadal’s appointment is still subject to ratification by the club’s General Assembly of Delegate Members, scheduled for November 21.
Nadal, a lifelong Real Madrid supporter and an honorary member of the club, shared a photograph of himself wearing a Real Madrid jersey as a child on social media platform X after the announcement.
“I would like to thank President Florentino Perez and the Board for proposing that I join the Board of Directors of Real Madrid. I have accepted this proposal with great enthusiasm, keen to learn and to contribute as much as I can,” Nadal wrote.
The 40-year-old Spaniard has long been associated with Real Madrid and was previously awarded honorary membership. Earlier in 2026, reports linked him to a possible bid for the club presidency. Nadal had dismissed those reports as unfounded.
Real Madrid highlighted Nadal’s achievements and personal qualities in its official statement. His career includes 92 singles titles, 22 Grand Slam championships, two Olympic gold medals and five Davis Cup victories with Spain. He also held the world No. 1 ranking.
The club said Nadal’s determination, work ethic, competitive spirit, humility, respect for opponents and teammates, and commitment to solidarity reflected the values of Real Madrid. It expressed pride in having a sporting figure of his stature join its leadership.
Nadal retired from professional tennis in November 2024, bringing an end to one of the most successful careers in the sport’s history. His appointment is expected to add his experience and international sporting reputation to the club’s administration.
The former world No. 1’s new role marks another chapter in his long association with Real Madrid, a club he has supported since childhood.
