Tennis legend Rafael Nadal denies rivalling Florentino Perez for Real Madrid presidency in upcoming elections
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/09/16/image-4414b260-c386-47c6-af98-0a2675a5a091-68-310-310.jpeg)
Published 15/05/2026 at 12:35 GMT+1
React to this story
Rafael Nadal has rubbished reports that he would be involved in a bid for the Real Madrid presidency, saying he has "enormous respect" for Florentino Perez.
Mbappe optics 'terrible' as Real Madrid suffer 'worst week in living memory'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Current president Perez called for fresh elections in a bombshell press conference on Tuesday, confirming his own intentions to extend his second term, which started in 2009.
Rumours emerged that 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal could be included in a bid to rival Perez, which the tennis legend swiftly denied.
"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 posted on social media on Wednesday.
And Nadal went on to confirm his intentions on Thursday, with the Madrid and Mallorca supporter acknowledging "mistakes" had been made at the club this season.
Nadal said: "Yesterday I wanted to nip any speculation in the bud. I saw that I was being linked with [possible candidate] Enrique Riquelme's candidacy.
"I understand that it made sense and people can speculate but, although I have a good relationship with him [Riquelme], I have enormous respect for Florentino and everything that he is.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/05/11/image-82fe0a18-513d-4135-b1bc-d97e9148bef2-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'We understand the frustration and disenchantment' - Arbeloa on Real Madrid fans' anger
Video credit: SNTV
"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.
"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.
"I understand that elections are being called. The members will decide whether to keep their trust or if there is a possible alternative, and the owners will decide who they want to be their leader."
- How 'genius' Guardiola's legacy compares to Sir Alex, Wenger - 'He's exhausting'
- Record breaker! Sinner overtakes Djokovic with 32nd straight Masters win
Real Madrid saw rivals Barcelona clinch La Liga in the Clasico on Sunday, before Kylian Mbappe was jeered by supporters at the Bernabeu on Wednesday for his off-the-pitch behaviour.
Re-elections were called by Perez in the wake of a physical altercation between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde at the end of a second successive season without domestic silverware.
For his part, Perez insisted he was fit and healthy enough to continue his current 17-year reign, calling on any potential candidates to not "move in the shadows".
"I'm here to say I'm not going anywhere and I'm here to stand for election," the 79-year-old told the press conference on Tuesday.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/05/11/image-21c835b0-768f-440e-922b-93c407edf709-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'We feel great' - Barcelona fans celebrate 29th La Liga title and heap praise on Flick
Video credit: SNTV
"If someone does want to stand for election, this is your opportunity. But don't move in the shadows with publications, news outlets.
"And I'm not in bed, unwell. I have to come out and sit here because as Real Madrid president, I can't allow journalists to do what they do.
"I work hard. I'm up early and I'm the last to go to bed. I understand there's frustration out there. But if people have forgotten, we have won 37 titles since I've been in charge.
"I would like to know the people who are saying these things. In this board of directors, I want whoever who is leaking this to come out."
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement