Real Madrid approves Rafael Nadal’s candidacy ahead of members’ vote

“Madrid” has proposed Rafael Nadal for its board, but the decision still has one final step to clear. Real Madrid’s board has approved his candidacy and will submit it for ratification by the general assembly of delegate members, scheduled to meet on November 21. The board’s approval does not yet confirm Nadal’s place on the body.

The board currently has 19 members. According to information reported by Sky News Arabia Sport, citing The Athletic, the vote is expected to formalise Nadal’s addition. The scope of the appointment remains unclear: the former tennis player’s duties on the board have not yet been established.

The proposal comes with Real Madrid third in La Liga after 11 rounds, three points behind leaders FC Barcelona. It also arrives during a period of change within the club. Enrique Riquelme’s rise in last June’s elections reportedly shifted the balance of power, while the electoral support he received reportedly surprised Florentino Pérez and those close to him.

Another link between Nadal and Riquelme is Cox, the company founded by Riquelme that sponsors the Rafa Nadal Academy team. That connection forms part of the setting around the candidacy, without determining what responsibilities Nadal might be given.

The move has also been framed as a significant choice for the leadership. Sky News Arabia Sport reports that The Athletic described it as an “audacious decision” by Florentino Pérez and his board, as well as a “tremendous boost” for a leadership group that has faced sharp criticism in recent years.

Nadal, for his part, has expressed enthusiasm about joining the board. “I would like to thank president Florentino Pérez and the board of directors for proposing that I join the Real Madrid board. I accepted this proposal with great enthusiasm, a desire to learn and the determination to contribute as much as I can,” he said.

Nadal retired from tennis in 2024 after winning 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 at Roland-Garros, two Olympic gold medals and five Davis Cups with the Spanish team. The next step is the November 21 vote, when delegate members are due to ratify or reject the board’s proposal.