From Real Madrid fan to boardroom: Rafael Nadal’s journey closes – ‘received with great enthusiasm’
Rafael Nadal (Image: Nadal’s post X) Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is set to take his association with his beloved Real Madrid to the next level, with the Spanish soccer club offering him a seat on its board on Wednesday.The 22-time Grand Slam champion accepted the proposal, which will now be submitted to the General Assembly of Delegate Members for ratification. Real Madrid’s board agreed to table his appointment at its meeting on 4 November. Nadal, who is already an honorary member of the club, is registered under number 67,778.The former world number one expressed her gratitude to club president Florentino Pérez and the board, describing the occasion as a source of great excitement.“I want to thank the president Florentino Pérez and the board of directors for the proposal to become a member of the Real Madrid board. I accepted this proposal with great enthusiasm, a desire to learn and a willingness to contribute everything I can,” Nadal wrote on social media next to a photo of himself wearing a Real Madrid jersey as a child.For the Spaniard, the appointment marks another chapter in a lifelong association with the 15-time European champions. His support for Madrid was well known, even when his uncle Miguel Ángel Nadal represented arch-rivals Barcelona.
Real Madrid celebrates Nadal’s sporting and personal values
Real Madrid described Nadal’s inclusion in their boardroom as an honour, highlighting not only his achievements on the tennis court but also the qualities he has displayed throughout his career.“It is an immense honor for Real Madrid and for all madridistas that a figure of his sporting and human standing, a legacy in Spanish and global sport, has joined our board and in this role contributes to the present and future of our club,” the club said in a statement.Madrid also highlighted Nadal’s 92 singles titles on tour, two Olympic gold medals, five Davis Cup triumphs with Spain and his time at the top of the world rankings. The club said his humility, respect for opponents and dedication to charity reflect his own identity.“All these values form part of Real Madrid’s identity and Rafael Nadal embodies and upholds them throughout his sporting career,” the statement added.
Life after tennis, but no slowing down
Nadal retired from professional tennis in November 2024 after a career spanning more than two decades, during which he won a record 14 French Open titles alongside four US Opens, two Wimbledons and two Australian Open crowns.However, retirement did not mean staying away from public engagements. In an interview with The Associated Press this week, Nadal discussed fatherhood, plans for former rival Roger Federer and the upcoming Las Vegas show.“I travel, I do things, I do events,” he explained, explaining why he is rarely at home even after retiring from professional tennis.His proposed appointment at Real Madrid now offers the lifelong fan an opportunity to contribute to the club outside the stands.