Rafael Nadal has not played tennis since retiring at last year’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. However, Rafa can not say no to his other sporting love: football! The Spaniard enjoyed a relaxed day with his friends at the Academy.
They embraced a football match, and Rafa joked with La Liga if they needed new talents. After all, the competitive spirit never fades! A devoted Real Madrid fan, Nadal has often spoken about his love for football, a sport deeply rooted in his family’s history.
Rafa’s uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal, played professional football for Mallorca and Barcelona and represented Spain. The 22-time Major winner almost picked football over tennis! When it became impossible for him to handle both sports and school, Nadal picked tennis and made the right call.
Tarde de ⚽️ con amigos y equipo en la @rnadalacademy.
Estad atentos, @LaLiga, que por aquí hay talento 😅😂 pic.twitter.com/tJnKaVGTaD
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) February 7, 2025
Rafa retired in November last year after ongoing issues with injuries. He ended his career as one of the most decorated players ever, embracing 22 Major crowns and 36 Masters 1000 shields! The Spaniard had been dealing with injuries since the beginning of his career.
Now, he can enjoy things he could not in previous decades, including more time on the football field! The legend turned 36 in June 2022 and still competed at his best. Rafa conquered the Australian Open and Roland Garros in the first part of the year.
Rafael Nadal© Stream screenshot
Thus, he left Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer behind in the GOAT race. However, the Spaniard experienced an abdominal injury at Wimbledon. He withdrew ahead of the semi-final, ruining his chances of becoming world no. 1 in the upcoming months.
Nadal struggled to recover by the end of the season. He finished the year ranked 2nd behind Carlos Alcaraz, and it would be his final appearance in the year-end top-10! The legend started the 2023 campaign without form or confidence.
Rafael Nadal© Stream screenshot
He experienced a severe left hip injury at the Australian Open and missed the rest of the year! Rafa underwent surgery and embraced the most extended break of his career. The legend wanted to retire on his terms! He worked hard in the second half of 2023 to regain strength and form.
Nadal returned to action in Brisbane in the first week of 2024. He scored two wins but faced more issues with his troubled hip. The Spaniard injured his abdominal muscle again in February and stayed away from the court until April.
Rafael Nadal© Stream screenshot
The king of clay could not revive his old magic on the beloved surface. The veteran collected five wins in Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros, and the end was near! In July, Rafa reached the last ATP final of his career in Bastad.
He stopped the clock and ousted four rivals before falling to Nuno Borges. Nadal entered the Olympic Games in Paris and lost to Novak Djokovic in the second round. The 22-time Major winner announced his retirement in October.
His last match was at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. He said farewell to tennis in front of the home fans and walked away from the scene that had seen him reach incredible heights.
Tennis World USA