Real Madrid’s board has approved the nomination of retired tennis star Rafael Nadal as a new director, subject to member ratification on November 21.
The board agreed at its meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, to submit the proposal to the General Assembly of Delegate Members. Members are expected to ratify the appointment at the club's general assembly on November 21.
"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."
Nadal shared an image from his childhood in a Real Madrid club kit alongside his response to the news. He’s been an honorary member of Real Madrid since 2011 and holds member number 67,778.
Since childhood, the tennis legend has spoken in previous interviews about his love for the club. That affection persisted despite his uncle Miguel Angel Nadal having played for rivals Barcelona. He regularly attends matches at the Bernabeu and was a guest of honour at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.
Nadal’s responsibilities on the board haven’t been specified by the club. He previously played down presidential ambitions and said reports that he planned to run in recent club elections were wrong.
Nadal said in 2023 that becoming Real Madrid president was a future ambition, though he questioned whether he had the qualifications for the role. Florentino Perez won another four-year term in June and has held the presidency since 2009.
After beating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the election, Perez swiftly appointed Jose Mourinho for a second spell as head coach. Mourinho's appointment followed a second season without a La Liga, Champions League or Copa del Rey trophy for the club.
Career achievements and club standing
Real Madrid are currently third in the La Liga standings. They have 27 points after 11 games, one point behind Atletico Madrid and three behind leader Barcelona. Other reports state they’re three points behind defending champions Barcelona after 11 games.
| Position | Team | Points | Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcelona | 30 | 11 |
| 2 | Atletico Madrid | 28 | 11 |
| 3 | Real Madrid | 27 | 11 |
A club statement called Nadal a benchmark in Spanish and world sport and said the club felt proud that a figure with his sporting and human dimension would contribute to its present and future.
"For Real Madrid and for all Madridismo it is a great pride that a figure of his sporting and human dimension, a benchmark in Spanish and world sport, becomes part of our board of directors and contributes, from this responsibility, to the present and future of our club."
"But his figure represents much more than his successes: his talent, his spirit of permanent improvement, his capacity for sacrifice, his competitiveness, his humility, his respect for rivals and his team-mates, and his commitment to solidarity make him an example on and off the courts."
Key dates and statistics
- 2011Honorary membership
Nadal becomes an honorary member of Real Madrid.
- November 2024Retirement
Nadal retires from professional tennis.
- 4 November 2026Board nomination
Real Madrid's board agrees to submit Nadal's nomination to the General Assembly.
- 21 November 2026Ratification vote
Members are expected to vote on the appointment at the general assembly.
What we know
- Real Madrid's board agreed to the nomination on November 4, 2026.
- Nadal holds member number 67,778.
Still unclear
- The specific responsibilities Nadal will hold on the board.
- The outcome of the member ratification vote on November 21.
The General Assembly of Delegate Members will vote on the ratification of Nadal's appointment on November 21, 2026.
