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Nadal lined up to join Perez on Real Madrid board
Real Madrid plans to appoint Rafael Nadal to its board, with the decision to be put to the club’s General Assembly of Delegated Members for ratification. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has accepted the invitation, saying he hopes to learn and contribute.
Nadal, who retired from tennis in November 2024, is already an honorary member of the club. Real cited his 92 tour singles titles, two Olympic gold medals and five Davis Cup wins, as well as qualities it says reflect the club’s values. He has previously been mentioned as a possible successor to president Florentino Pérez, who won a new four-year term in June.
In short
- Rafael Nadal has accepted an invitation to join Real Madrid’s board.
- Club members must ratify the appointment.
- Nadal retired from tennis in November 2024.
Explained simply
Real Madrid is a members’ club: its president and board oversee the organisation, including its sporting and business affairs. Delegated members represent the wider membership at the club’s General Assembly, which ratifies certain decisions.
Florentino Pérez has led the club for several terms, most recently winning a new four-year term in June. Rafael Nadal is a lifelong Madrid supporter and an honorary member; he retired from professional tennis in November 2024 after winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles.
Nadal’s sporting record and public profile have led to speculation about a future leadership role at the club. Joining the board would give him a part in its governance, though it would not by itself make him president or establish him as Pérez’s successor.