Nadal was speaking to former Real Madrid coach Jorge Valdano at an event in Madrid.
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When you think about Rafael Nadal, your first thought is likely to be about tennis greatness, with 22 Grand Slam titles, clay-court dominance, and all-time legend status. Off the court, Nadal’s passions extend beyond the court and into the world of soccer, where he is particularly well known for being a fan of Real Madrid.
In an interview with former Real Madrid coach Jorge Valdano in Madrid, Nadal discussed the possibility of one day running for the presidency of the club, a role currently held by Florentino Pérez, who has held the position since 2009 in his second stint.
“Right now, they have the best man for the job,” Nadal responded initially when asked about whether he would consider running for the position by Valdano.
“I don’t know… conceptually, it must be a beautiful position to have,” he continued, adding that “if I were to consider it, I would have to do so when I’m ready, part of me would like to be in a position where I could consider it, but I don’t know.”
Nadal was granted honorary membership of Real Madrid in 2011
Since being a child, Nadal has been a fan of Real Madrid, following the team closely from his home in Mallorca as he grew up, and later as a sporting superstar in his own right.
That was despite the fact that Nadal’s uncle, Miguel Ángel Nadal, turned out for FC Barcelona, Real Madrid’s arch rivals, between 1991 and 1999, making 268 appearances in the process.
“My father and the whole family have always been Real Madrid fans, although I had an uncle who played for FC Barcelona, and obviously everyone cheered him on, but then he returned to Mallorca, and since then we’ve been divided: some are still Barcelona fans, while others have never stopped supporting Real Madrid,” he said in an interview about his fandom for the club, as quoted by Mediotiempo.
In 2011, he was named an honorary member of the club, a unique privilege given that membership is usually only afford to direct relatives of current members.
Following his retirement from tennis in 2024, the club issued a statement saying, “Real Madrid C.F., its president, and its Board of Directors want to show their admiration and affection for one of the greatest legends in Spanish and world sport of all time”. It went on to state that “for us and for all Real Madrid fans, it is and always will be a source of pride that a legend like Rafa Nadal represents our club as an honorary member of Real Madrid”.
He also supports RCD Mallorca
Despite being a diehard Real Madrid fan, Nadal is also known for supporting his local team, RCD Mallorca, who also currently compete with Real Madrid in the top flight of Spanish soccer.
In 2010, he bought shares in the club as they faced up to financial hardship and economic struggles, though he sold his 10% joint shareholding with his uncle only 17 months later, according to Reuters.
There is even footage of him at the age of three celebrating on the field in 1989, carried by his uncle, as the club achieved promotion to the first division, as shared by the club and forming a crucial part of Nadal’s development of his love for sport beyond the tennis court.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/samleveridge/2025/11/27/tennis-star-rafa-nadal-opens-up-on-potential-real-madrid-presidency/
