Rafael Nadal proposed for Real Madrid board, pending members’ approval

Rafael Nadal has accepted a proposal to join Real Madrid’s board of directors, with the appointment due to go before the football club’s members for approval later in November, BBC Sport reports.

The 40-year-old former tennis champion, a Real Madrid supporter since childhood, thanked president Florentino Pérez and the board for the invitation. His acceptance does not complete the appointment: members must still approve the proposal at their forthcoming meeting.

The move would give Nadal a formal role in the leadership of the club he has long supported, two years after he retired from professional tennis in 2024.

Nadal accepts with a desire to learn

Responding to the proposal on X, Nadal shared a photograph of himself as a child wearing a Real Madrid kit and expressed his enthusiasm for taking on the role.

“I want to thank president Florentino Perez and the board for proposing that I join the board of directors of Real Madrid,” he wrote.

“I have accepted this proposal with great excitement, a desire to learn, and a willingness to contribute everything I can.”

Nadal is already an honorary member of Real Madrid. BBC Sport also reported that he holds club membership number 67,778, reflecting a connection that predates the proposed board appointment.

Club celebrates his sporting record and values

In its announcement, Real Madrid described Nadal as “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 said it was a source of pride that someone of his sporting and personal stature would contribute to its present and future through a position on the board.

Its statement also highlighted qualities beyond his competitive record, including his determination to improve, willingness to make sacrifices, humility and respect for opponents and team-mates. Real Madrid said those qualities reflected its own identity.

Nadal ended his tennis career with 22 Grand Slam singles titles and two Olympic gold medals, and helped Spain win five Davis Cups. His career record also included 92 singles titles and the world number one ranking.

Responsibilities remain unclear

The reports do not establish what specific responsibilities Nadal would take on as a director. The immediate next step is the members’ consideration of his nomination, rather than the start of a defined portfolio of duties.

For now, the confirmed development is his acceptance of the invitation. His place on Real Madrid’s board remains subject to the club’s approval process later this month.