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Real Madrid is poised to add Rafael Nadal to their board of directors, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The club's board has agreed to submit Nadal's appointment to the General Assembly of Delegated Members for ratification. Nadal, a 22-time tennis Grand Slam champion, has already been made an honorary member of the club.

Real Madrid highlighted Nadal's remarkable sporting accomplishments, including 92 tour singles titles, two Olympic gold medals, five Davis Cup triumphs with Spain, and his status as the world number one ranking player. The club emphasized that Nadal's personal qualities, such as humility, respect for opponents, and commitment to charity, align with the values of the organization.

Nadal expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, thanking Real Madrid's President Florentino Perez and the Board for the invitation. He stated that he accepted the role with great eagerness to learn and contribute to the club.

Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, has often been mentioned as a possible successor to Perez. However, Nadal has downplayed the notion. Perez, 79, secured another term in June following the club's first contested presidential election in two decades.

In June, over a third of voting members supported challenger Enrique Riquelme, who opposed proposals to introduce external investment into the member-owned club.