By Basant El-Faramawy
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has been appointed to the board of directors of Real Madrid, the Spanish football club announced on Wednesday. The appointment was agreed at a board meeting and will be submitted to the general assembly of delegate members for ratification.
Record-breaking career
Nadal retired in 2024 after winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 French Open championships. He also claimed two Olympic gold medals, five Davis Cup titles with Spain, and held the world number one ranking. The club described him as "one of the greatest legends in the history of sport and one of the most admired and recognised Spanish athletes in the world."
Lifelong Real Madrid supporter
Despite his uncle Miguel Angel Nadal having played for rivals Barcelona, Nadal has been a lifelong Real Madrid fan. He has held honorary membership for years and regularly attends matches at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. He was a guest of honour at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris when Real Madrid won their 14th European title.
Nadal accepts role with excitement
Responding to the appointment, Nadal wrote on X: "I want to thank President Florentino Pérez and the board for proposing that I join the board of directors of @realmadrid. I have accepted this proposal with great excitement, a desire to learn, and a willingness to contribute everything I can."
