Rafael Nadal, the tennis legend, has stated that he would like to succeed Florentino Pérez as Real Madrid president one day, but has recognized that he may not fit the requirements.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, a Madrid fan and honorary club member, played his most recent tennis match at the Australian Open in January and has since been out of action with a hip injury, announcing his retirement from the sport in 2024.
Perez, 76, has been president of Madrid since 2009, having previously held the position from 2000 to 2006.
“Do you want me to be [president]?” “I believe so,” Nadal said in an interview with Movistar on Monday. “I believe I would. But there are many things. There is nothing to say right now because we have the best president possible [Perez].
“What I think today may not be what I think tomorrow.” Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. You must determine whether you are qualified to conduct this type of work. I’m quite practical. I am aware of my limitations. I’m not sure if I’d be capable. Only time will tell.
“I haven’t spoken with [Perez] about it. I believe you [the media] overreact. I don’t believe I meet the qualifications for [president].”
Madrid’s laws provide a stringent set of requirements for assuming the presidency, including membership for at least 20 years, the ability to personally guarantee 15% of the club’s annual budget, and Spanish nationality.
Since 2011, Nadal has been an honorary member.
Perez has been reelected unopposed in 2013, 2017, and 2021 since retaking power in 2009 following Ramon Calderon’s turbulent presidency.
Madrid leads LaLiga with five wins from five games and will open up their Champions League campaign against Union Berlin at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
“Madrid have started well, but it’s still very early,” Nadal added. “There are some significant injuries, such as [Thibaut] Courtois, [Éder] Militao, and Vinicius [Junior…]” They also made an impressive signing in [Jude] Bellingham.
The tennis legend was questioned if he would welcome Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé to the club since they failed to sign him the previous three seasons.
“Another forward would be good,” Nadal said. “Do I have to wait for Kylian Mbappé?” I am, indeed. I have no issues with Mbappé, in fact, exactly the reverse. I’d be delighted if he came… He was under no responsibility to come to Madrid when we, the fans, asked him to.”
