Rafael Nadal appointed to Real Madrid board of directors

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 14:34 · Archive

Tennis great Rafael Nadal has been appointed to Real Madrid's board of directors.

Real Madrid have appointed Rafael Nadal to their board of directors. The appointment was agreed at a board meeting on Wednesday and will be submitted to the club's general assembly of delegate members for ratification.

Nadal is already an honorary member of Real Madrid. The 40-year-old retired from professional tennis in November 2024 after a career spanning decades.

The tennis legend won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 at the French Open. He also claimed 92 individual titles across his career, two Olympic gold medals, and five Davis Cups with Spain. He reached the world number one ranking.

Real Madrid said in a statement that Nadal was 'one of the greatest legends in the history of sport and one of the most admired and recognised Spanish athletes in the world'. The club described his appointment as 'a great source of pride' and said his qualities – including humility, respect for opponents and commitment to solidarity – mirrored the club's identity.

'It is a great source of pride that a figure of his sporting and human stature, a benchmark of Spanish and world sport, will become part of our board of directors and contribute, from this position of responsibility, to the present and future of our club,' the club said.

Nadal responded on social media, thanking president Florentino Perez and the board. 'I have accepted this proposal with great excitement, a desire to learn, and a willingness to contribute everything I can,' he said.

It is currently unclear what specific responsibilities Nadal will hold on the board. Perez, who has served as Real president since 2009, was re-elected to a new four-year term in June. Al Jazeera reports that Nadal has long been touted as a potential successor to Perez, though he has played down the prospect. Earlier in 2026, Nadal denied reports linking him to a possible candidacy for the club's presidency.

How it is being reported

• Tennis legend Rafael Nadal joins Real Madrid boardRafael Nadal won 22 grand slam titles in his tennis career before retiring in 2024Independent Sport · 4 Nov, 14:21
• Nadal set to join Real Madrid board of directorsTennis great Rafael Nadal is set to join the board of Spanish football giants Real Madrid.BBC Sport · 4 Nov, 13:21
• Tennis great Rafael Nadal set to join Real Madrid boardThe 22-time Grand Slam winner is to be ratified onto club's board of directors.Al Jazeera · 4 Nov, 13:00
• Rafael Nadal joins Real Madrid board of directorsTennis legend Rafael Nadal has joined the board of directors at LaLiga giants Real Madrid. The 22-time Grand Slam-winning Spaniard already serves as an honorary member of the club and his new position on the board has been described as a “great source of pride” for Real Madrid. “His figure represents much more than his [...]City AM · 4 Nov, 12:33
• Nadal appointed to Real Madrid boardReal Madrid have appointed Rafael Nadal to the club's board of directors.Sky Sports · 4 Nov, 12:06

In this story: Rafael Nadal · Real Madrid · Florentino Perez · Spain

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