Tennis legend Rafa Nadal confirmed on Wednesday he has accepted an offer to become a member of Real Madrid's board of directors.
Nadal, a long-time fan of the team, has been an honorary member of Real Madrid since March 2017.
"For Real Madrid and for all madridistas, it is an immense honor that a figure of his sporting and human stature, a reference in Spanish and global sports, joins our Board of Directors and contributes, from this role, to the present and future of our club," a club statement said of Nadal on Wednesday.
Nadal, 40, posted on Instagram a photograph of himself when he was a toddler wearing the Madrid kit, and wrote: "I would like to thank President Florentino Pérez and the Board for inviting me to join the Board of Directors of @realmadrid. I have accepted this invitation with great enthusiasm, keen to learn and contribute as much as I can."
Nadal retired from tennis in 2024 having won 22 major titles -- including a record 14 French Opens -- as well as 36 Masters titles and two Olympic gold medals.
Madrid added: "Nadal has had a legendary sports career.
"However, his persona represents much more than his achievements: his talent, his continuous drive for improvement, his capacity for sacrifice, his competitiveness, his humility, his respect for rivals and teammates, and his 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 upheld them throughout his sporting life, becoming a role model for millions of people around the world."
Madrid's General Assembly on Nov. 21 will have to ratify Nadal's appointment as a new member of the board.