Rafael Nadal has been appointed to Real Madrid’s board of directors, giving the 22-time Grand Slam champion an executive role at the club he has long supported.
Nadal, an honorary member of Real Madrid, retired from professional tennis in 2024. The 40-year-old had earlier denied as “untrue” reports that he could stand for the club presidency.
Real Madrid said it was proud that Nadal would join its board and praised his achievements and character both on and off the court.
“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,” the club said.
It added: “For Real Madrid and for all Madrid fans, it is a great source of pride that a figure of his sporting and human stature, a benchmark of Spanish and world sport, will become part of our Board of Directors and contribute, from this position of responsibility, to the present and future of our club.”
The club also highlighted Nadal’s drive, sacrifice, competitiveness, humility, respect for rivals and team-mates, and commitment to solidarity, saying those qualities reflected Real Madrid’s identity.
