Portrait · Ian Gampon; crop and slight revision by César / CC BY 2.0

Rafael Nadal

Former professional tennis player

Born 1986

Rafael Nadal is a Spanish former professional tennis player from Manacor, Mallorca. A 2011 profile describes a childhood household shared with his parents, younger sister, grandparents and uncle Toni. His public biography identifies his uncle Toni as his formative coach, and his own Roland-Garros retrospective describes the importance of that relationship. His first ATP singles title came at Sopot, before his first major championship in Paris. The next phase took him beyond clay: Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the US Open established titles at all four major tournaments. His completed record comprises twenty-two major singles championships, including fourteen at Roland-Garros, and ninety-two tour singles titles. The Olympic record adds singles gold in Beijing and doubles gold with Marc López in Rio; earlier and later Olympic appearances remain distinct from medal wins. His ranking history includes five year-end number-one seasons. Repeated Laureus and ATP recognition covered results, sportsmanship and public service. Outside competition he established a foundation, built the academy in his home town and coauthored Rafa with John Carlin. Film appearances include a staged role in Shakira’s Gypsy video, Strokes of Genius and interviews in Federer: Twelve Final Days. He announced his retirement in October 2024 and played his final professional match at the Davis Cup that November. Later practice and exhibition appearances do not imply a return to the tour. The Netflix series Rafa, released in May 2026, follows his final playing season through a wider family and career perspective. Its director interview discusses contributions by his wife and the people around him. In May 2026 he described his playing career as closed and welcomed his new life. In September 2026 the academy announced a forthcoming anniversary exhibition. His personal tastes are retained as dated interview accounts, with campaign context where relevant and explicit evidence gaps where no qualifying disclosure was found.

Verified identityCore facts checked against named sources.

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Connected people

ConnectionMaría Francisca PerellóWife; contributes to the 2026 documentary.

ConnectionToni NadalUncle and formative tennis coach.

ConnectionCarlos MoyáMallorcan tennis coach.

Official records · wins and honours

Awards & Honours

Selected recognition linked to the awarding organisation or primary record.

2025
Laureus World Sports AwardsIndustry honor
Sporting Icon
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2022
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Fans’ Favourite
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2021
Laureus World Sports AwardsCompetitive win
Sportsman of the Year
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2021
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2020
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2019
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Year-end No.1
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2019
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2018
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2017
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Year-end No.1
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2014
Laureus World Sports AwardsCompetitive win
Comeback of the Year
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2013
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Year-end No.1
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2013
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Comeback Player of the Year
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2011
Laureus World Sports AwardsCompetitive win
Sportsman of the Year
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2011
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2010
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Year-end No.1
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2010
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2008
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Year-end No.1
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2006
Laureus World Sports AwardsCompetitive win
Breakthrough of the Year
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2005
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Most Improved Player of the Year
Rafael Nadal
Official record
2003
ATP AwardsCompetitive win
Newcomer of the Year
Rafael Nadal
Official record

Sporting Icon

Fans’ Favourite

Sportsman of the Year

Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award

Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award

Year-end No.1

Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award

Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award

Year-end No.1

Comeback of the Year

Year-end No.1

Comeback Player of the Year

Sportsman of the Year

Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year

Year-end No.1

Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award

Year-end No.1

Breakthrough of the Year

Most Improved Player of the Year

Newcomer of the Year