By Salma El-Sakka
Tennis great Rafael Nadal is set to join the board of directors at Spanish football giants Real Madrid, the club announced on Thursday.
The 40-year-old, who retired in 2024 after winning 22 Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals, and five Davis Cups with Spain, will need approval from Real Madrid's members at a meeting later this month.
In a statement, the club described Nadal as "one of the greatest legends in the history of sport and one of the most admired and recognised Spanish athletes in the world." It added that his appointment is a source of pride and that he will contribute to the club's present and future.
Nadal, a lifelong Real Madrid fan who holds member number 67,778, responded on X, saying he accepted the proposal "with great excitement, a desire to learn, and a willingness to contribute everything I can." He also shared a childhood photo of himself in a Real Madrid kit.
The specific responsibilities Nadal will hold on the board remain unclear. The move comes after club president Florentino Perez was re-elected for a new four-year term in June. Real Madrid currently sit third in La Liga, three points behind defending champions Barcelona.
