Real Madrid announced that 22‑time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will be added to its board of directors, pending ratification by the club’s General Assembly of Delegated Members. Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, is already an honorary member of the club and has long been viewed as a potential successor to President Florentino Pérez, who secured a fourth term in June after the club’s first contested presidential election in two decades.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the club said the appointment would be “a source of immense pride” for Real Madrid and its supporters. It highlighted Nadal’s 92 singles titles, two Olympic gold medals, five Davis Cup victories with Spain and his tenure as world number one, noting that his humility, respect for opponents and charitable commitments align with the club’s values.
“All these values form part of Real Madrid’s identity, and Rafael Nadal has embodied and championed them throughout his sporting career,” the statement added. Nadal himself thanked President Pérez and the board for the invitation, expressing enthusiasm to learn and contribute to the club’s future.
Once ratified, Nadal will join a board that has historically been dominated by football figures, marking a notable cross‑sporting appointment for the Spanish giants.
