Rafael Nadal poised for seat on Real Madrid board
Former tennis star would take a seat on the board of the Spanish football club, with members due to vote later this month.
Key points
- Nadal is expected to take a seat on the Real Madrid board, pending a vote
- Members must approve the appointment at a meeting later this month
- Nadal said he accepted the offer with excitement and a willingness to contribute
- The responsibilities he would hold on the board have not been confirmed
- Real are third in La Liga, three points behind defending champions Barcelona
According to BBC Sport, former tennis champion Rafael Nadal is about to take a place on the Real Madrid board of directors. The Spanish football club has proposed the move, but members must still approve it at a meeting later this month.
Real praised him as a sporting icon whose name ranks among the finest the world has seen. In a statement, the club said his sporting and personal standing made him a natural benchmark for Spanish and world sport. It added that it was proud he would take a position of responsibility in its future.
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Nadal responded on X. He thanked club president Florentino Perez and the board for the offer. He said he had accepted it with great enthusiasm, a wish to learn, and a readiness to give everything he could to the club.
A lifelong supporter
Nadal is a long-standing Real fan. BBC Sport reports that he holds club membership number 67,778. In his reply to the news, he shared a photo of himself as a child wearing a Real kit.
His career was marked by huge success. He won 22 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals. Five Davis Cup wins for Spain also came during his career, which ended with his retirement in 2024. He is 40 years old.
What is still unclear
The sources do not say what role Nadal would have on the board. They also do not give details of his duties or how long he would serve.
The appointment comes at a time when the club is looking to recover its form. Perez was re-elected as president in June for a new four-year term. He has held the post since 2009. Soon after his re-election, he brought Jose Mourinho back as head coach for a second spell.
Club’s recent season
Real have not won a trophy in two seasons. Their trophy drought covers the Spanish top flight, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. The team is currently third in La Liga after 11 games. They trail defending champions Barcelona by three points.
The proposed appointment places a high-profile former athlete at the heart of the club’s governance. Whether the move brings any change on the pitch remains to be seen, and the outcome of the members’ vote will decide whether Nadal formally takes up the post.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rafael Nadal officially on the Real Madrid board?
Not yet. BBC Sport reports that members still have to vote on his appointment at a meeting later this month.
What did Rafael Nadal achieve in tennis?
BBC Sport reports that Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals. Five Davis Cup wins for Spain also came during his career, which ended with his retirement in 2024.
What role will Nadal have at Real Madrid?
The sources state that the responsibilities he would hold on the board have not yet been made clear.
Sources
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