Rafael Nadal accepts a prestigious Real Madrid Board role after the club proposes his appointment for ratification on 21 November, praising his values and legendary career

On Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the Board of Directors of Real Madrid C.F. in Madrid agreed to submit the ratification of Rafael Nadal Parera as a new member of the Board of Directors to the General Assembly of Representative Members, set for 21 November.

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Rafael Nadal Parera, the 40-year-old former world number one and honorary member number 67,778 of the club, has long been associated with Real Madrid.

The Board described his proposed appointment as a source of immense pride for the club and the entire madridista community, noting that a figure of his stature in sporting achievement and personal character would contribute to the present and future of the institution.

In a statement shared on social media, Rafael Nadal Parera said: “I want to thank President Florentino Pérez and the Board for proposing that I join the Board of Directors of Real Madrid. I have accepted this proposal with great enthusiasm, a desire to learn and to contribute everything I can.” His words underscored a willingness to bring experience from outside the traditional football sphere into club governance.

The tennis great’s career provides clear context for the decision. He amassed 92 individual titles, including a record 22 Grand Slam trophies, two Olympic gold medals and five Davis Cup titles with Spain.

Real Madrid’s announcement highlighted not only these results but also his capacity for sacrifice, humility, respect for rivals and teammates, and commitment to helping others. These qualities, the club stated, align with its own identity and have made him an inspiration to millions worldwide.

Nadal has been an honorary member since 2011 and a lifelong supporter of the club, even as his uncle Miguel Ángel Nadal played for Barcelona. After retiring from professional tennis in November 2024 following the Davis Cup, he has remained visible at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Speculation about a possible future presidency has surfaced periodically in Spanish media, though Nadal has previously described such talk as premature while affirming his deep affection for the club.

The proposal now rests with the General Assembly of Representative Members on 21 November. Approval is widely expected, given the Board’s unanimous backing and Nadal’s established standing among madridistas.

For Real Madrid, the move brings a globally recognised figure into its leadership structures at a time when the club continues to blend sporting tradition with broader institutional influence.

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The appointment, once ratified, will mark a new chapter for both the 40-year-old Mallorcan and the club he has supported for decades.