Rafael Nadal Receives Royal Marquis Title for Tennis Legacy and National Impact
Rafael Nadal has been officially awarded the prestigious noble title Marqués de Llevant by King Felipe VI of Spain. This historic honor recognizes the tennis icon’s unparalleled career and his lasting impact on Spain both nationally and internationally.
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Nadal, who retired in 2024, leaves behind a legendary legacy. Over his two-decade career, he amassed 22 Grand Slam titles—including a record-setting 14 French Open victories from 2005 to 2022—and won two Olympic gold medals. Known globally as the “King of Clay,” Nadal has long been celebrated for his athletic excellence, humility, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
The Spanish royal household emphasized the deep national pride Nadal has inspired, stating that he has projected “values of self-improvement, respect, and excellence” across the globe. Notably, this is the first noble title granted by King Felipe VI during his reign, underscoring the magnitude of Nadal’s contributions.
The title, Marqués de Llevant de Mallorca, is symbolic in nature. It holds no formal privileges but is a lifelong and hereditary honor. It extends to Nadal’s wife and children and will be passed down through his family line.
The honor comes after a heartfelt farewell to tennis last year. Nadal was honored at Roland Garros—where he achieved his most dominant success—with a commemorative metal plate. The plaque, embedded at Court Philippe Chatrier, features his name, footprint, the number 14, and a French Open trophy engraving.
At the ceremony, Nadal was joined by three of his greatest rivals and friends—Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. The moment was a powerful testament to the camaraderie shared among tennis legends who once fiercely battled on court.
In a moving Instagram post, Nadal wrote, “Thank you guys ☺️ From the bottom of my heart!” He reflected on the beauty of their rivalries, saying:
“Tennis is just a game. Sometimes we feel a little bit more, but I think we understand at the end of the day that it’s really only a game. That all of you are here is everything. That’s a great message to the world—that we can be good friends even if we had the best rivalries.”
The ceremony was led by Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation, and French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, who unveiled the plaque.
Rafael Nadal’s new title as Marqués de Llevant serves as a national tribute to a man whose influence extends far beyond tennis courts—into the hearts of fans and the history books of Spain.