Tennis icon Rafael Nadal lands surprise new job at Real Madrid despite Barcelona connection

Real Madrid has announced that Rafael Nadal is set to join the board of directors at the club. The 22-time Grand Slam winner has to wait until Real’s members approve his appointment later this month. It is currently unclear as to what responsibilities Nadal will hold in the role. The 40-year-old is a boyhood fan of Los Blancos and has previously been involved with RCD Mallorca. In July 2010, it was reported that he became a shareholder of the club and owned 10 per cent. Real Madrid released a statement on Wednesday, it read: “The Board of Directors of Real Madrid CF, meeting today Wednesday, November 4, “Has agreed to submit to the General Assembly of Delegate Members the ratification of the appointment of Rafael Nadal Parera, member number 67,778 of our club, as a new member of the Board of Directors. “Rafael Nadal, an honorary member of Real Madrid, is one of the greatest legends in the history of sport and one of the most admired and recognised Spanish athletes in the world. “For Real Madrid and for all Madrid fans, it is a great source of pride that a figure of his sporting and human stature, a benchmark of Spanish and world sport, will become part of our Board of Directors and contribute, from this position of responsibility, to the present and future of our club. “With his extraordinary record of 92 individual titles, including 22 Grand Slams, 2 Olympic gold medals, 5 Davis Cups with Spain, and the number 1 ranking in the world, Rafael Nadal has forged a legendary sporting career. “But his figure represents much more than his successes: his talent, his constant drive to improve, his capacity for sacrifice, his competitiveness, his humility, his respect for rivals and teammates, and his commitment to solidarity make him an example both on and off the court. “All these values ​​are part of Real Madrid’s identity and Rafael Nadal has represented and defended them throughout his sporting life, becoming a role model for millions of people around the world.” The Spaniard took to X and shared a photo of himself as a boy in a Real kit. He said: “I want to thank president Florentino Perez and the board for proposing that I join the board of directors of Real Madrid. “I have accepted this proposal with great excitement, a desire to learn, and a willingness to contribute everything I can.” View Tweet: https://x.com/realmadrid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Jose Mourinho ‘s team are currently third in La Liga and are three points behind defending champions Barcelona . Nadal’s Barcelona links Nadal has been noted in the past as an avid supporter of Real Madrid, however, his uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal, played for their arch rivals Barcelona. He has previously said: “When my uncle (Miguel Angel Nadal) was playing for Barcelona, we wanted Barcelona to win. Before that, my whole family was for Real Madrid. “After my uncle left the Barcelona team, then we’re all for the Real Madrid again. I have got nothing against Barcelona, but I prefer Real Madrid to win.” Miguel was a defensive midfielder who played 208 times for Barcelona between 1991 and 1999. Additionally, he provided three goals across 62 appearances for the Spanish national team. The 60-year-old represented his nation in three World Cups and Euro 1996, and was nicknamed ‘The Beast’ for his physicality. Miguel won five La Liga titles during his time at the Nou Camp and the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1997. He was also appointed the assistant coach of Mallorca when Rafael became a shareholder of the club.