Real Madrid proposes Rafael Nadal as new board member, pending a delegates' vote

The board proposal

Real Madrid announced on Wednesday, 4 November, that its board had agreed to submit the ratification of Rafael Nadal Parera's appointment as a new board member to the club's General Assembly of delegate members (socios compromisarios). The decision was published in a statement issued through the club's official channels late on the morning of Wednesday. Nadal is member number 67.778 and already holds honorary membership of the club. The announcement did not specify what role he would play on the board led by Florentino Pérez, and the move takes effect only if the delegates ratify it. El Mundo reported that rumours had earlier put Nadal forward as a possible future president of the club.

The club's case for him

In its statement, Real Madrid called Nadal one of the greatest legends in the history of sport.

“Rafael Nadal, honorary member of Real Madrid, is one of the greatest legends in the history of sport.”

The statement cites 92 individual titles, 22 Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals, five Davis Cups and the world number one ranking. It says his talent, perseverance, humility and commitment to solidarity make him an example inside and outside the court, and that these values form part of the club's identity. The club says he has represented and defended them throughout his sporting career.

Individual titles92

Grand Slam titles22

Olympic gold medals2

Davis Cup titles5

Individual titles

92

Grand Slam titles

22

Olympic gold medals

2

Davis Cup titles

5

Data from the article text

Real Madrid also framed the appointment as a matter of pride.

“For Real Madrid and all of madridismo, it is an enormous source of pride that a figure of his sporting and human dimension becomes part of our Board of Directors.”

When the vote takes place

The reports do not agree on the date of the General Assembly. El Mundo and La Vanguardia give 21 November, while Notícias ao Minuto gives 21 October and describes it as a Saturday. La Vanguardia adds that the club's annual assembly of members falls on the same day, when the management of president Florentino Pérez and the club's accounts are to be approved. According to La Vanguardia, a proposed new corporate model involving the sale of 5 to 10 percent of the club has been pushed back to a referendum next season because it is not on the agenda. The same outlet recalls that before the June elections Nadal had issued a statement saying he would not stand in any candidacy.

Nadal's response

Nadal thanked the club on social media, sharing an image and expressing gratitude for the confidence placed in him. No article reviewed quotes him on the role he would take on the board. The next step in the process is the vote by the delegate members at the General Assembly. Until that vote takes place, the appointment remains a proposal, and the reports do not agree on when the assembly will be held.