Nadal set to join Real Madrid board of directors

What the report says

Rafael Nadal is set to join the board of Spanish football club Real Madrid, according to BBC Sport Football. The move still needs approval from club members at a meeting later this month, and the club has not yet detailed what specific duties he would take on.

Nadal, 40, retired from tennis in 2024 after a career that included 22 Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals and five Davis Cup victories for Spain. Real Madrid said in a statement that he is one of sport’s great figures and praised his standing in Spanish and world sport. In response, Nadal thanked president Florentino Perez and the board, saying he had accepted the proposal with enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute.

The report notes that Nadal has long been associated with Real Madrid as a supporter and holds club membership number 67,778. He has also appeared at the Santiago Bernabeu on several occasions over the years. His appointment would add another high-profile sports figure to the club’s leadership at a time when Real Madrid is under pressure to improve results.

Real are currently third in La Liga after 11 matches, three points behind Barcelona. Perez, who was re-elected in June, has already overseen changes in the club’s sporting leadership this season.