Rafael Nadal's next big move takes him to Real Madrid boardroom

Rafael Nadal has accepted an invitation from Florentino Perez to join Real Madrid's Board of Directors. The 22-time Grand Slam champion's appointment will now go before the club's General Assembly of Delegated Members for ratification.

In Short

• Rafael Nadal accepts Florentino Perez's invitation to join Real Madrid's board
• The appointment will go to the club's delegated members for ratification
• Nadal's appointment adds another high-profile sporting figure to Real Madrid's leadership

Rafael Nadal is set to take up a position on Real Madrid's Board of Directors, adding a new chapter to his association with the club following his retirement from professional tennis in November 2024.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has accepted an invitation from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to join the board. His appointment was approved at a board meeting on November 4 and will now be placed before the General Assembly of Delegated Members for ratification.

Nadal, a lifelong Real Madrid supporter and an honorary member of the club, confirmed his decision in a social media post, thanking Perez and the board for the invitation.

"I would like to thank President Florentino Perez and the Board for inviting me to join the Board of Directors of Real Madrid," he wrote.

"I have accepted this invitation with great enthusiasm, keen to learn and to contribute as much as I can."

The appointment gives Nadal an official administrative role at a club he has supported for years. It also brings him closer to the leadership of one of the biggest sporting institutions in the world, although his immediate responsibilities on the board have not been outlined.

NADAL'S ASSOCIATION WITH REAL MADRID

Nadal's sporting credentials need little introduction. The Spaniard won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 French Open crowns, and finished his career with 92 tour-level singles titles. He also won two Olympic gold medals and helped Spain lift the Davis Cup five times.

His name has previously come up in discussions about a possible succession to Perez as Real Madrid president. However, Nadal has played down suggestions that he could eventually take over the role.

Perez, 79, was re-elected for another four-year term in June after Real Madrid held its first contested presidential election in 20 years. Challenger Enrique Riquelme secured the support of more than a third of voting members, with his opposition to plans for outside investment in the member-owned club emerging as a key point of difference.

Nadal's entry into the boardroom comes as Perez begins his latest term in charge. For now, the former tennis star's immediate task will be to take up his new position, subject to the approval of the club's delegated members.

Real Madrid said Nadal's sporting achievements, humility, respect for opponents and charitable work were among the qualities that made him a suitable addition to its board.

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