Has Pérez started preparing Nadal for the presidency of Real Madrid?

In a surprising move within the corridors of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, the president of the royal club, has decided to bring in Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal and grant him a seat on the club's board. The decision is set to be officially approved during the general assembly scheduled for November 21.

AS reports that an agreement with Nadal was reached before the Clasico match, following a series of discussions with the former tennis star. The details of this move remained confidential, known only to four people within Real Madrid.

Nadal has expressed his full welcome to joining the management of Real Madrid, considering the club's choice for him a great honor, while Pérez presented the decision to the other board members, who supported the move before it was referred to the general assembly for approval.

Rafael Nadal was linked during the last presidential elections of Real Madrid, which took place in June, to Enrique Rikelme due to some business relations between them. However, the former tennis player quickly denied any connection to the rival candidate list of Florentino Pérez, confirming that the circulating news regarding his association with any nomination for the club's presidency is incorrect.

Rafael Nadal and Florentino Pérez share a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, with the tennis star often appearing in the stands of the Santiago Bernabéu whenever his commitments allow. He has held honorary membership at Real Madrid since 2011.

This membership grants Nadal the right to run for the presidency of the club starting in 2031 after Pérez's new term ends, according to Real Madrid's regulations which require a specific period of membership before applying for the club's presidency.

Rafael Nadal's presence on the board is expected to be a significant addition to Real Madrid, not only because of his sporting stature and extensive experience in the world of sports, but also due to his business expertise, particularly with his famous tennis academy in Manacor, which is considered one of the leading institutions specializing in this sport globally.

This development comes after Nadal's two-year absence from tennis courts, despite participating in a match last October to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his academy. He recently announced his intention to return to the courts in February 2027, through an exhibition tournament held in Las Vegas.