SPAIN- Paris Match: "First ennoblement of Felipe VI's reign: Rafael Nadal made marquis".

In eleven years of reign, he had never knighted anyone, but for the anniversary of his accession to the throne, Felipe VI decided to revise his copy. On June 19, the King of Spain decided to elevate to the rank of marquis six personalities considered to be " examples of excellence, whether in the service of the Crown or in the fields of thought, culture, science, the arts and sport ". Among these new nobles, one in particular caught the eye: Rafael Nadal.

Having lifted the Roland Garros Cup fourteen times, the recently retired tennis player will now be able to boast the title of " Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca ", a Balearic town close to Rafael Nadal's birthplace of Manacor, on the island of Mallorca. In the document announcing his appointment, Felipe VI described the achievements of the champion and the other members of his class as " a source of pride for Spain and a permanent reference for the values that must inspire our society ".

It's a time of recognition for legendary sportsmen and women. If, across the Channel, David Beckham has just been knighted by his king, Charles III, after years of close contact, Rafael Nadal's relationship with the rest of the royal family is rather similar. First spotted by Juan Carlos I, the Mallorcan struck up a real friendship with the royal family, sometimes taking private outings alongside them, notably during their vacations in the Balearic Islands.

A further sign of prestige: the title of Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca has never been held before, and has been created especially for Rafael Nadal. He will therefore be able to create his own coat of arms, bearing the marquisal crown. On his death, the title will pass to his eldest son, Rafael Junior.

For the moment, the tennis player has not reacted on social networks to this ultimate honor bestowed by the crown. The other five people involved in this ennoblement are the King's former private secretary Jaime Alfonsín - also made Grand of Spain - singer Luz Casal, scientist Carlos López Otín, Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales and photographer Cristina García Rodero.

Read the article on www.parismatch.com

By Héloïse Broseta

Published June 20, 2025