A legendary signing! Rafael Nadal set to join Real Madrid's board alongside Florentino Pérez
The 22-time Grand Slam champion accepted the offer to join the club's Board of Directors. His appointment must be ratified by club members on November 21.
Real Madrid are preparing a historic signing, but this time off the pitch. Rafael Nadal, regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, is one step away from joining the Board of Directors of the club chaired by Florentino Pérez.
In an official statement, the club said its board unanimously agreed to propose the appointment of the former Spanish player, member number 67,778. The ratification will be voted on November 21 at an Extraordinary General Assembly of member delegates, held right after the Ordinary Assembly with a single item on the agenda.
Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam titles and retired from professional tennis in November 2024, accepted the invitation. On social media he thanked Florentino Pérez and the board for the offer and said he accepted it with great excitement.
Nadal, Real Madrid's future president?
Nadal's bond with the club is nothing new. He is an honorary member, has a close relationship with Florentino Pérez and has never hidden his passion for the white shirt.
In an interview with Jorge Valdano after retiring, he admitted that in principle he would like to be Real Madrid president one day — "why not?" he said — while noting he doesn't know what the future holds.
The club's bylaws require, among other things, at least 20 years as a member and a bank guarantee worth 15% of the budget, so any path to the presidency still looks distant. For now there is no announcement placing him as a candidate to succeed Florentino Pérez.
With 92 singles titles, two Olympic golds and one of the most celebrated careers in world sport, Nadal is preparing for a completely different challenge. After conquering tennis courts, he could start writing a new story in the Santiago Bernabéu boardroom.
Sources: Real Madrid · ATP Tour · Infobae
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