Rafael Nadal to join Real Madrid board after November 4 approval

Rafael Nadal has accepted an invitation to join Real Madrid's Board of Directors, with the club's board approving the appointment at a meeting on November 4.

The former world number one retired from professional tennis in November 2024 and is a 22-time Grand Slam singles champion. A lifelong Real Madrid supporter and an honorary member of the club, he confirmed his decision on social media, thanking Florentino Perez and the board. "I would like to thank President Florentino Perez and the Board for inviting me to join the Board of Directors of Real Madrid," he wrote. "I have accepted this invitation with great enthusiasm, keen to learn and to contribute as much as I can."

The move gives Nadal an official administrative role at the club he has supported for years, though Real Madrid has not outlined his immediate responsibilities on the board. The club highlighted his sporting achievements, humility, respect for opponents and charitable work as qualities that made him a suitable addition. Nadal's appointment formalises his closer involvement with the club's leadership following his playing career.

On-court, Nadal's record includes a record 14 French Open titles and 92 tour-level singles championships. He also won two Olympic gold medals and helped Spain lift the Davis Cup five times. Those accomplishments were cited by the club in explaining his suitability for a director role.

Nadal's name has previously been mentioned in discussions about a possible succession to Perez as Real Madrid president, but he has played down suggestions that he could eventually take over the role. Perez, 79, was re-elected for another four-year term in June after Real Madrid held its first contested presidential election in 20 years. Challenger Enrique Riquelme secured the support of more than a third of voting members, with his opposition to plans for outside investment emerging as a key point of difference.

The appointment will now be placed before the General Assembly of Delegated Members for ratification. Nadal's immediate task will be to take up his new position, subject to the approval of the club's delegated members.