Rafael Nadal is set to join Real Madrid’s board of directors. On 4 November 2026, Real Madrid announced that its board had unanimously agreed to nominate the tennis legend for a place on the club’s Board of Directors. The appointment still needs formal ratification by the General Assembly of Delegate Members, scheduled for an extraordinary meeting on 21 November. Nadal is a lifelong Madridista and club member number 67,778, has been an honorary member since 2011. The 40-year-old retired from professional tennis in November 2024 after a glittering career that included 22 Grand Slam titles (a record 14 of them at the French Open), 92 ATP singles titles, two Olympic gold medals and five Davis Cups with Spain. He spent 209 weeks as world No. 1.
In a statement, the club described him as “one of the greatest legends in the history of sport” and praised the values he embodies competitiveness, humility, respect and solidarity as aligning with Real Madrid’s own identity. Nadal responded on social media, thanking president Florentino Perez and the board, and saying he accepted the role “with great excitement, a desire to learn and to contribute everything I can.”
The move marks a new chapter for the Mallorcan after stepping away from the court. While his exact responsibilities on the board have not yet been detailed, the nomination underlines both his deep personal connection to the club and the high regard in which he is held across Spanish sport.
Rafael Nadal’s life after tennis as the Spanish legend embraces a new chapter
The left-handed Spaniard retired from professional tennis in November 2024 after a career that produced 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Opens, 92 ATP singles titles, two Olympic gold medals, and five Davis Cups with Spain. He spent 209 weeks as world No. 1 and formed part of the sport’s “Big Three” alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Apart from tennis, Nadal built the Rafa Nadal Academy and Foundation, which uses sport to support education and development for young people. He has invested in real estate on Mallorca and elsewhere, and remains deeply connected to his island home. At 40, Nadal has transitioned from warrior on the court to family man, businessman, and club official. He continues occasional exhibitions, stays involved with his academy and foundation, and still follows Real Madrid closely.
