Real Madrid welcomes sporting royalty as tennis icon joins board of directors

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has joined the board of directors at Real Madrid. The Spanish club announced that its board met on Wednesday and agreed to submit Nadal's appointment to the general assembly of delegate members for ratification. Real Madrid highlighted Nadal's stature as one of the greatest athletes in history and stated that his inclusion is a source of immense pride for the club.

Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in 2024, won 22 Grand Slam singles titles during his career. A lifelong supporter of Real Madrid, he has held honorary club membership for years and frequently attends matches at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite his uncle Miguel Angel Nadal previously playing for rivals Barcelona.