Madrid Legend Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute To Spanish Icon Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal has formally announced his retirement from tennis following a challenging year filled with setbacks and surgeries, including hip surgery. His retirement has caused a stir in the sports world and solidified his legacy as a tennis legend.

Heartfelt tributes

After Nadal announced his retirement on Instagram, CR7 wrote an emotional note.

"It has been an honor to witness your journey and be able to call you a friend. Congratulations on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!"

The tributes didn’t stop with Ronaldo. Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Lucas Vazquez also expressed their admiration for Nadal. Mbappe praised Nadal as a “legend,” while Vinicius Jr called him an “example to all.” Vazquez highlighted the player’s embodiment of sportsmanship, calling him the "greatest example of sports values."

Longtime rival and friend Roger Federer expressed his sadness over Nadal’s retirement. He shared, "I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories."

A new chapter

Nadal will represent Spain one final time at the Davis Cup in November 2024, marking the end of an era. Tennis loses one of its biggest stars with his departure. But his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. 
His post-retirement plans are already heating up; he, alongside Ronaldo, ventures into the world of fine dining with a restaurant in Valencia, Spain. The two legends from Madrid have also expanded their business to Dubai attracting a ton of fans. This venture adds a layer to their already iconic legacies outside their respective fields.