Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has joined the board of directors at Real Madrid, the club announced on Wednesday. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, takes on a formal governance role at the football club he has long supported.
Nadal, 38, was honored at Roland Garros earlier this year in a ceremony celebrating his record 14 French Open titles. The Mallorcan native has been a lifelong Real Madrid fan and has frequently attended matches at the Santiago Bernabéu. His appointment adds one of Spain's most decorated athletes to the club's leadership structure.
The move follows a trend of elite athletes transitioning into administrative roles at major sports organizations. Real Madrid's board includes prominent business figures and former players, with Nadal now bridging the worlds of tennis and football at the highest institutional level.
