Rafael Nadal has been one of the stalwarts of tennis. The former world number one is a hugely influential figure outside the tennis circuit too. With his imminent retirement on the cards, there are rumors abound that Nadal might take up a very different job. It is possible, that very soon, Rafa might go from the tennis court straight to the soccer pitch.
Yes, you read that right. Nadal is being touted as the next president of the soccer club Real Madrid. The La Liga giants have a remarkable heritage, having won the Champions League 14 times. They have also won the La Liga Santander 35 times over the years.
Recently, it was reported that the tennis maestro could become the successor to Florentino Perez. According to Spanish media outlets, Perez is ready to step down after the work at Santiago Bernabeu is completed. Rafa’s name has been floated as the next president, but he would be more of a figurehead.
Reports say that Florentino Perez has selected Rafael Nadal as his “successor” to become the next president of Real Madrid.
He’s now 76 years old, and Nadal has spoken a few times in the past about taking the position, even if it is just “honorary”.
Next career move? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/W0NCAsOIIL
— Swish 🍒 (@Zwxsh) August 10, 2023
Turns out, this is not the first time this idea has been suggested. Surprisingly, Rafa himself has also spoken about it in the past. “If you ask me if I would like it, of course, I would, why not?” Nadal told El Mundo back in 2017.
Nadal had also acknowledged that they had an amazing president in Perez and he wasn’t needed at the moment. However, he did not rule out the possibility of it ever happening.
While the club has vehemently denied all the rumors, it is not hard to see why Nadal would succeed in the role. His love for the club is well-known. Should Rafa become the club President his peers would also support him in this new venture.
Rafael Nadal has found support from Andy Roddick
Former US Open champion Andy Roddick has backed Nadal to be the new president of Real Madrid. Roddick confessed that the news surprised him though.
He cited the example of John Elway, who did it with the Broncos, but he was a football player. But Roddick added that should the rumors come to fruition, it would be fantastic. However, he thinks that Nadal would need some on-the-job experience really quickly though.
Andy Roddick on the Rafa Nadal Real Madrid presidency rumours:
“This is a surprise and it is fantastic if it happens. I think that there would be some necessary on-the-job experience needed real quick, [but] this will be really cool.” pic.twitter.com/feXK0ll9In
— Swish 🍒 (@Zwxsh) August 14, 2023
Roddick was not the only player to show support for Rafa. Andrea Petkovic, former world number nine, thinks Nadal should not face major issues. Petkovic reiterated that Nadal has all the qualities to be a successful President.
As of now, there are just rumors. But Nadal has found overwhelming support from fans and peers. For now, though, Rafael Nadal is recuperating from his injuries. He will return to the courts before bringing down the curtains on his career.