Tennis legend Rafael Nadal set to join Real Madrid's board of directors

Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis legend who won 22 Grand Slam titles, is set to take responsibility as a director on Real Madrid's board. Nadal already held an honorary position connected with Real's board.

The record 15-time European champion club said Nadal's appointment as a director will be placed before members for approval. The board has agreed to present the appointment at a general meeting of its delegated members.

In a statement, Real Madrid said having a sports lover and a person of such stature join its board of directors is a matter of great pride for Real Madrid and all the club's supporters.

Real Madrid's authorities emphasised Nadal's contribution to sport. He won 92 singles titles, Olympic gold twice, and the Davis Cup five times for Spain. He was the world's number one tennis star for a long time.

According to the club, beyond the honours he earned, qualities such as humility, respect for opponents and commitment to charitable work reflect Real's own values, and Nadal has embodied those values throughout his career.

The 40-year-old former tennis star accepted Real's invitation and wrote on social media that he wants to thank President Florentino Perez for inviting him to the board of directors, that he has accepted the invitation with great interest, and that he is eager to learn and contribute as much as he can.

Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis in November 2024. There is also talk that he could become Real Madrid president in future, a possibility he himself has not ruled out.

Current president Florentino Perez is 79 years old. Last June he was elected Real president for another four-year term. His era at the club has run for two decades.

Nadal's uncle Miguel Angel played for arch-rivals Barcelona. But the tennis legend has been a Real fan since childhood.