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Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is set to join the board of Spanish football giants Real Madrid. The 40-year-old former athlete won 22 Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals, and helped Spain claim five Davis Cups before retiring in 2024.
Board Appointment and Club Statement
Real Madrid members will be asked to approve Nadal’s appointment to the board at a meeting later this month. In an official statement, the club described Nadal as one of the greatest legends in sporting history and a widely recognized Spanish athlete globally.
The club stated that it is a great source of pride for a figure of his sporting and human stature, who serves as a benchmark in global sports, to join the board of directors and contribute to the present and future of the institution from a position of responsibility.
Nadal’s Response and Role
Nadal, a lifelong Real Madrid fan who holds member’s number 67,778, shared a photograph of himself as a child wearing a club kit in response to the announcement. On social media, he thanked club president Florentino Perez and the board for proposing his addition to the board of directors. He added that he accepted the proposal with great excitement, a desire to learn, and a willingness to contribute everything he can. It remains unclear at this time what specific responsibilities Nadal will hold on the club’s board.
Club Leadership and Current Standing
President Florentino Perez was re-elected to serve a new four-year term in June, having held the position since 2009. Following his re-election, Perez appointed Jose Mourinho to a second spell as head coach in an effort to improve the team’s fortunes following two consecutive seasons without winning a trophy in La Liga, the Champions League, or the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid currently sits in third place in the league standings after 11 games, trailing defending champions Barcelona by three points.
