Real Madrid have announced that Rafael Nadal is set to join their board of directors, in a significant appointment that could strengthen Florentino Pérez’s position amid growing scrutiny of his leadership.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has accepted an invitation from the club’s current board, with his appointment due to be submitted to the general assembly for ratification on November 21.
Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in 2024, is already an honorary member of Real Madrid and has never hidden his affection for the Spanish giants.
The move also carries wider significance for Pérez, with the former world number one previously linked to potential presidential challenger Enrique Riquelme.
Nadal accepts Real Madrid board appointment
In a statement, the Spanish side praised the former tennis star’s achievements and the values he has represented throughout his sporting career.
“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 statement read.
Nadal also expressed his excitement at the opportunity, thanking Pérez and the board for putting his name forward.
“I want to thank president Florentino Pérez and the board for proposing that I join the board of directors of Real Madrid,” the 40-year-old said.
“I have accepted this proposal with great excitement, a desire to learn, and a willingness to contribute everything I can.”
Nadal enjoyed one of the most successful careers in tennis history, winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 French Open crowns.
He also claimed two Olympic gold medals and five Davis Cup titles with Spain before bringing his professional career to an end in 2024.
Why Nadal’s appointment matters for Florentino Pérez
The appointment is also being viewed as a significant political move by Pérez, who has faced criticism amid concerns surrounding the club’s recent performances and long-term direction.
According to The Athletic, Nadal’s arrival represents a major boost for the current management group, particularly given his previous association with Riquelme.
Riquelme, founder and chairman of energy company Cox, emerged as a potential challenger to Pérez during the club’s presidential election process in June.
His links with Nadal have attracted attention, with Cox announcing in January 2025 that it would sponsor the Rafa Nadal Academy team at the Hexagon Cup. The company also sponsors Nadal’s team in the UIM E1 World Championship.
There had previously been speculation that Nadal could support Riquelme’s campaign or even become part of his team. However, the former tennis player moved to dismiss those rumours.
Pérez’s decision to bring Nadal onto the board therefore carries an interesting symbolic dimension, potentially strengthening the president’s position while bringing a highly respected figure into the club’s leadership.
The move comes at a time when Pérez is also facing challenges over one of his key strategic ambitions: changing Real Madrid’s ownership model.
Plans to explain the proposed changes and put them to a vote were postponed earlier this year, with poor results on the pitch contributing to the delay. The issue is not expected to be addressed at the November assembly either.
Nadal’s appointment is now expected to be ratified on November 21, giving the former world number one a new role at the club he has supported throughout his life.
