Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced that he has accepted a proposal to join Real Madrid’s board of directors, marking a significant new chapter in his long-standing relationship with the Spanish football giants.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion revealed that club president Florentino Pérez and the board had invited him to take up a position within the club’s leadership structure.
Nadal, a lifelong Real Madrid supporter and honorary club member, expressed his excitement at the opportunity to contribute to the club’s future.
Rafael Nadal confirms Real Madrid board appointment
Nadal announced the development on social media, thanking Pérez and the club’s leadership for offering him the position.
The former world No. 1 said:
“I want to thank President Florentino Pérez and the Board for proposing that I join the Board of Directors of Real Madrid. I have accepted this proposal with great excitement, a desire to learn, and with willingness to contribute everything 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/HgLCmWjOPq pic.twitter.com/cFBQnUVW6j
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) November 4, 2026
Real Madrid have also welcomed the development, describing the opportunity to bring Nadal into the club’s leadership as an immense honour.
His reputation for professionalism, resilience and sporting excellence has made him one of Spain’s most recognisable sporting figures.
Rafael Nadal’s lifelong connection with Real Madrid
(Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Despite growing up in a family with strong Barcelona connections, Nadal has always been an enthusiastic Real Madrid supporter.
His uncle, Miguel Ángel Nadal, played for Barcelona during the 1990s and was part of Johan Cruyff’s celebrated side.
However, Rafael developed an allegiance to the Catalan club’s biggest rivals.
His connection with Real Madrid was formally recognised in March 2011, when Pérez awarded him honorary club membership.
Nadal has since been a familiar presence at the Bernabéu…
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