Real Madrid have appointed retired tennis great Rafael Nadal to the club’s board of directors, and the club praised the 22-time Grand Slam champion as a fitting addition to its leadership.
The club expressed its pride on Wednesday that the longtime Real Madrid fan had taken the executive role. Following the announcement, Nadal posted a photo of himself as a child wearing a Real Madrid kit on his X account.
“I want to thank president Florentino Perez and the board who proposed me to be part of the board of directors at Real Madrid,” Nadal wrote in the caption. “I accepted this proposal with great excitement, a desire to learn and contribute everything I can.”
Club Praises Nadal’s Values
Nadal, an honorary member of Real Madrid, had earlier in 2026 denied reports linking him to a possible candidacy for the club’s presidency, calling them “untrue.” The 40-year-old retired from professional tennis in 2024.
Real Madrid paid tribute to Nadal after the announcement, saying his values align with the club’s identity. “Rafael Nadal, an honorary member of Real Madrid, is one of the greatest legends in the history of sport and one of the most admired and recognised Spanish athletes in the world,” a club spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that it is a great source of pride for the club and its fans that Nadal will contribute to the present and future of Real Madrid from his new position. The club highlighted his talent, drive to improve, capacity for sacrifice, competitiveness, humility, respect for rivals and team-mates, and commitment to solidarity.
“All these values are part of Real Madrid’s identity, and Rafael Nadal has represented and defended them throughout his sporting life, becoming a role model for millions of people around the world,” the spokesperson said.