"Real Madrid" includes Nadal in the nominations for the board of directors, awaiting final approval.
The board of directors of Real Madrid has approved the nomination of Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal for a position on the board. This decision will be presented to the general assembly of member representatives for ratification at a meeting scheduled for November 21.
The newspaper explained that the rise of Enrique Riquelme in the elections last June shifted the balance of power within the club, and his electoral support was an unwelcome surprise for Pérez and his circle.
It pointed out that Nadal has a close relationship with Riquelme, as the company "Cox", launched by Riquelme, sponsors the Rafael Nadal Academy team.
Nadal stated in a social media post: "I would like to express my gratitude to president Florentino Pérez and the board for proposing my inclusion in the Real Madrid board. I accepted this proposal with great enthusiasm, a desire to learn, and a readiness to contribute all I can."
He added that he feels proud to be an "honorary member" of the club since 2011, holding membership number 67,778.
Nadal is 40 years old and retired from tennis in 2024 after a remarkable career, highlighted by winning 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Open titles, as well as two Olympic gold medals (singles in 2008, doubles in 2016) and 5 Davis Cup titles with the Spanish national team.
It remains unclear what specific responsibilities Nadal will take on within the board.
This move comes at a time when Real Madrid is in third place in La Liga after 11 rounds, trailing leaders Barcelona by 3 points.
According to The Athletic, the current board consists of 19 members, and the voting results are expected to officially confirm Nadal's inclusion.
The Athletic described this move as a "bold decision" by president Florentino Pérez and his board, noting that Nadal's inclusion, widely regarded as the greatest athlete in Spain's history, represents a "significant boost" for a management team that has faced considerable criticism in recent years.
The newspaper explained that the rise of Enrique Riquelme in the elections last June shifted the balance of power within the club, and his electoral support was an unwelcome surprise for Pérez and his circle.
It pointed out that Nadal has a close relationship with Riquelme, as the company "Cox", launched by Riquelme, sponsors the Rafael Nadal Academy team.
Nadal stated in a social media post: "I would like to express my gratitude to president Florentino Pérez and the board for proposing my inclusion in the Real Madrid board. I accepted this proposal with great enthusiasm, a desire to learn, and a readiness to contribute all I can."
He added that he feels proud to be an "honorary member" of the club since 2011, holding membership number 67,778.
Nadal is 40 years old and retired from tennis in 2024 after a remarkable career, highlighted by winning 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Open titles, as well as two Olympic gold medals (singles in 2008, doubles in 2016) and 5 Davis Cup titles with the Spanish national team.
It remains unclear what specific responsibilities Nadal will take on within the board.
This move comes at a time when Real Madrid is in third place in La Liga after 11 rounds, trailing leaders Barcelona by 3 points.
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