Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has dismissed speculation linking him to the presidency of Real Madrid, making it clear that reports suggesting he could contest the club’s leadership elections are “not true”.
The former world No. 1 addressed the rumours through a social media statement on Wednesday after reports emerged connecting his name with a possible presidential bid linked to businessman Enrique Riquelme.
“I have read reports that link me as a possible candidate for the Real Madrid presidency. I would like to clarify that these reports are not true,” Nadal said.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion explained that he wanted to end the speculation immediately and stressed that while he shares a good relationship with Riquelme, he has immense respect for current Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and the work he has done for the club over the years.
“Yesterday, I wanted to nip any speculation in the bud. I saw that I was being linked with Enrique Riquelme’s candidacy. I understand that it made sense and that people can speculate, but although I have a good relationship with him, I have enormous respect for Florentino and everything that he has done,” Nadal stated.
The Spanish icon also clarified that he has no plans to enter football administration at this stage and described football as “a world apart” from his own career and interests.
“I didn’t want to fuel speculation about something I’m not involved in. To prevent that — I’m not one to deny things — but football is a world apart, and I just wanted to make it clear that I’m not focused on that at the moment,” he added.
Nadal, who has long been known as a passionate supporter of Real Madrid, said he continues to closely follow football and also supports Mallorca. He acknowledged that recent performances by the Spanish giants have been disappointing, especially after their defeat to arch-rivals FC Barcelona, which effectively sealed the La Liga title race in Barcelona’s favour.
Reflecting on the club’s recent struggles, Nadal said setbacks are part of sport and should be accepted honestly.
“I like football, I’m passionate about it, I’m a Madrid fan and a Mallorca fan. Yesterday was a difficult day. We have to recognise that things at Madrid have not gone well. This is sport — there have been mistakes, and there is nothing wrong with recognising that after so many years of making the right decisions,” Nadal said.
His remarks come shortly after Florentino Perez announced that Real Madrid would begin the process of holding fresh presidential elections. Perez, who first became club president in 2000 and oversaw one of the most successful eras in Real Madrid history, confirmed that he had asked the club’s electoral board to initiate the election process.
“I have asked the electoral board to begin the process to start the elections for the board of directors, for which we, the board of directors, will be running,” Perez said.
He also stressed that the elections would remain open to all eligible candidates.
“I am calling them so everyone knows they are open to everyone, and that they can run as I did,” Perez added.
Speculation surrounding Nadal’s possible involvement had intensified because of his global popularity, long-standing association with Real Madrid, and his respected status in Spanish sport. However, the tennis great has now firmly ruled out any immediate interest in football leadership.