Real Madrid appoint tennis legend Rafael Nadal to board of directors
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineTennis legend Rafael Nadal has accepted an invitation to join Real Madrid’s board of directors following a proposal from the club’s president, Florentino Perez.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, a lifelong supporter of the Spanish giants, is set to take up an active leadership role at the club, subject to formal ratification by its General Assembly.
Real Madrid announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, describing Nadal’s appointment as a significant addition to the club’s leadership.
The club said: “For Real Madrid and for all madridistas, it is an immense honor that a figure of his sporting and human stature, a reference in Spanish and global sports, joins our Board of Directors and contributes, from this role, to the present and future of our club.”
Nadal also confirmed his acceptance in a post on Instagram, sharing a nostalgic photograph of himself as a toddler dressed in a Real Madrid kit.
He thanked Perez and the board for the invitation, saying: “I would like to thank President Florentino Perez and the Board for inviting me to join the Board of Directors of @realmadrid. I have accepted this invitation with great enthusiasm, keen to learn and contribute as much as I can.”
The club highlighted Nadal’s qualities beyond his achievements in tennis, describing him as an example both on and off the court.
“Rafael Nadal has had a legendary sports career. However, his persona represents much more than his achievements: his talent, his continuous drive for improvement, his capacity for sacrifice, his competitiveness, his humility, his respect for rivals and teammates, and his solidarity make him an example both on and off the court.”
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Real Madrid added that the values reflected in Nadal’s character were consistent with the identity of the club.
“All these values are part of Real Madrid’s identity, and Rafael Nadal has represented and upheld them throughout his sporting life, becoming a role model for millions of people around the world,” the statement continued.
Nadal retired from professional tennis in 2024 after a decorated career that included 22 Grand Slam titles, 36 Masters crowns and two Olympic gold medals.
The 14-time French Open champion had previously been named an honorary member of Real Madrid in March 2017.
His appointment to the board will, however, require formal approval at the club’s General Assembly scheduled for November 21.
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