Rafael Nadal Rules Himself Out Of Real Madrid Presidential Race Amid Election Buzz

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 03: Rafael Nadal in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 03, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Rafael Nadal has publicly distanced himself from the upcoming Real Madrid presidential elections after speculation in Spain linked the tennis legend to potential candidacies.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, widely known for his lifelong support of Real Madrid, took to social media to shut down the rumors before they could gain further traction. His statement came just one day after Florentino Pérez officially announced that presidential elections would take place at the club, opening the door for potential challengers to emerge.

“I have read reports that link me to possible candidacies for the presidency of Real Madrid,” Nadal wrote. “I would like to clarify that these reports are not true.”

The rumors surfaced almost immediately after Pérez’s announcement. During a press conference, the current president explained that any club member who satisfies the established requirements would be eligible to run for the presidency.

Given Nadal’s enormous public profile, his close ties to the club, and his popularity among Madridistas, his name quickly became one of several floated in Spanish media and online discussions. However, the Mallorcan icon has now firmly ruled out any participation.

While Nadal has removed himself from the conversation, attention is beginning to shift toward other potential candidates. One of the names gaining the most traction in Spain is Enrique Riquelme, who is reportedly seriously considering launching a campaign.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether Pérez himself will face meaningful opposition, but the election cycle is already beginning to generate intrigue.