Rafa Nadal proposed for Real Madrid board

Real Madrid may add tennis legend Rafa Nadal to its board if a formal proposal is approved by the club’s member representatives, a development reported on November 4, 2026.

Nadal's move toward a managerial role

The 22-time Grand Slam champion would be taking his first formal step into a management position with the club he has long supported. The proposal, still subject to the club's internal approval procedures, would make Nadal an official member of Real Madrid’s governing body if accepted.

Nadal has been repeatedly linked to a future leadership role at Real and at times mentioned as a possible future president. He is a well-known supporter of the club, a regular visitor to the Santiago Bernabéu, and is widely reported to have a close relationship with club president Florentino Pérez. In 2012 he was also granted honorary membership of the club.

Until recently Nadal had publicly stated he did not intend to participate in the club’s management, but the new proposal indicates he is now prepared to take this step.

In its official statement, Real Madrid described Nadal as "one of the greatest legends in the history of sport" and "one of the most respected and recognisable Spanish athletes in the world."

If approved, the appointment would mark Nadal’s first formal role inside the club’s administration and would be watched closely by both the football and wider sporting communities.

Photo: press material from the event