Real Madrid kicked off their 2024-2025 La Liga season with an away fixture against Mallorca on Sunday, August 18.
The match saw the Spanish giants held to a 1-1 draw, with Rodrygo’s first-half goal being canceled out by Vedat Muriqi’s equalizer early in the second half. The game took a turn in the final moments when Real Madrid was reduced to ten men after Ferland Mendy received a red card in the dying minutes.
In attendance at the Son Moix Stadium was tennis legend Rafael Nadal, a lifelong fan of both his hometown club Mallorca and Real Madrid. Nadal was there to support the teams, and after the match, he had a special meeting in the tunnel with French football star Kylian Mbappe. In a warm and memorable moment, Mbappe personally gifted Nadal a Real Madrid jersey, and the two shared a heartfelt embrace. The touching exchange highlighted the mutual respect between the two global sports icons.
This encounter was particularly notable given Nadal’s public admiration for Mbappe and his longstanding support for Real Madrid. Earlier this year, Nadal, in an interview with COPE, urged Real Madrid to secure Mbappe’s transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The French forward had been linked with a move to the Spanish club for some time, but negotiations failed to materialize into a deal. Nadal expressed his belief that Mbappe would elevate the team to even greater heights, stating:
Kylian Mbappé gave Rafa Nadal his Real Madrid jersey.
Iconic moment between two of the biggest athletes in the world.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 18, 2024
“I would sign Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid. Real Madrid already have a super team, even with the injuries this year. With Mbappe, they would be even better. If I could help contribute to the club in any way, I would,” Nadal said in February.
As a dedicated Real Madrid supporter, Nadal has often voiced his opinions on the club’s strategy and future. His endorsement of Mbappe reflects the excitement many Madridistas feel about the possibility of seeing the talented forward don the iconic white jersey. While the French star’s future remains uncertain, the moment shared between Nadal and Mbappe at the Mallorca match was a testament to the strong connection between the athlete and the football club.
Rafael Nadal’s Tennis Season and Upcoming Laver Cup Appearance
On the tennis court, Nadal’s 2024 season has been marked by setbacks and interruptions. His last competitive appearance came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he suffered a second-round defeat at the hands of Novak Djokovic, the eventual gold medalist in men’s singles. Nadal’s Olympic journey also included teaming up with fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s doubles event. However, the duo was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the American pair of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram, who went on to win the silver medal.
Fans had hoped to see Nadal make a return to the hardcourt season at the 2024 US Open, especially after his name appeared on the entry list for the tournament. However, on August 8, Nadal announced via a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that he would not be competing at this year’s US Open. In his statement, Nadal cited lingering physical issues as the reason for his withdrawal, disappointing fans who were eager to see him back in action at Flushing Meadows.
While Nadal’s absence from the US Open is a significant blow, fans won’t have to wait too long to see him back on the court. Nadal confirmed that he will be playing for Team Europe at the 2024 Laver Cup, set to take place in Berlin. He will join an all-star lineup that includes Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. This star-studded team will aim to reclaim the Laver Cup title, and Nadal’s presence will undoubtedly boost the squad’s morale.
The Laver Cup has always held a special place in Nadal’s heart. His participation in the team event brings together his passion for competition and camaraderie, particularly when playing alongside close friends and rivals. His involvement in the upcoming edition also fuels excitement for his full return to competitive tennis in 2025. With Nadal signaling that his focus is on recovery and preparing for future tournaments, fans are optimistic about what’s to come in the next phase of his illustrious career.
Looking Forward to Nadal’s Return
Nadal’s absence from the US Open and other major tournaments in 2024 is a reminder of the physical toll that tennis takes on athletes, especially those who have competed at the highest level for so long. His fans, however, remain confident in his ability to make a strong comeback. Known for his resilience and determination, Nadal has overcome numerous injuries throughout his career and returned to top form time and again.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion will likely use the Laver Cup as a stepping stone to prepare for a more competitive 2025 season. His goals for the future remain ambitious, and his focus on recovery suggests that he is carefully planning his return. With tennis legends like Roger Federer now retired, Nadal’s potential comeback carries even more significance as he continues to inspire both fans and fellow players alike.
As he continues his recovery and looks ahead to 2025, Nadal’s future appearances will undoubtedly be met with anticipation and excitement. Whether on the tennis court or cheering for Real Madrid, Nadal’s passion for sport remains evident, and fans across the globe eagerly await his next chapter.
In the meantime, the heartwarming interaction between Nadal and Mbappe at the Mallorca match serves as a reminder of the mutual respect and camaraderie that exists between athletes, no matter the sport. The exchange of a Real Madrid jersey may seem like a simple gesture, but it represents the deep connections that can form between champions who share a love for competition, excellence, and their respective crafts.
