Tennis great Rafael Nadal is set to join Real Madrid’s board of directors. The club announced on Wednesday that its board had approved his appointment, which will now be submitted to the general assembly for ratification. Nadal, a long-time supporter of the Spanish giants and already an honorary member of the club, is expected to be formally appointed following a vote on November 21.
"For Real Madrid and for all madridistas, it is an immense honor that a figure of his sporting and human stature, a reference in Spanish and global sports, joins our Board of Directors and contributes, from this role, to the present and future of our club," a club statement said of Nadal on Wednesday.
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“Nadal has had a legendary sports career,” Madrid added. "However, his persona represents much more than his achievements: his talent, his continuous drive for improvement, his capacity for sacrifice, his competitiveness, his humility, his respect for rivals and teammates, and his solidarity make him an example both on and off the court.
"All these values are part of Real Madrid's identity, and Rafael Nadal has represented and upheld them throughout his sporting life, becoming a role model for millions of people around the world."
Responding to the news, the 40-year-old tennis legend shared a childhood photograph of himself wearing a Real Madrid kit. "I would like to thank President Florentino Pérez and the Board for inviting me to join the Board of Directors of @realmadrid. I have accepted this invitation with great enthusiasm, keen to learn and contribute as much as I can."
Quiero agradecer al presidente Florentino Pérez y a la Junta que me hayan propuesto formar parte de la Junta Directiva del @realmadrid. He aceptado esta propuesta con mucha ilusión, ganas de aprender y aportar todo lo que pueda.🤍🤍🤍 https://t.co/cFBQnUVW6j
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) November 4, 2026
Nadal retired from tennis in 2024 after winning 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open crowns. He also won 36 Masters titles and two Olympic gold medals.
