Rafael Nadal Once Made a Surprise Revelation About His Favorite Soccer Player and It’s Not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo

Last night, Rafael Nadal suffered a disappointing defeat in the fourth round of the US Open, but do you remember the French Open? This season, before claiming his 14th trophy in the clay courts of Paris, the very dedicated and focused Nadal took a break. The reason behind it was a soccer match.

Yes, the Spaniard is a big soccer fan. In fact, he loves to spend his spare time testing his skills on soccer pitches and golf courses. Therefore, it becomes mandatory for fans of both sports to know who his favorite player is.

Who does Rafael Nadal admire, outside of tennis?

While speaking to a media house in 2020, Nadal spoke about the pandemic and its effect on the sporting world. Along with that, he also disclosed the football player who he admires the most. When asked about his choice between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the 22-time Grand Slam champion picked Ronaldo, but not the one who is currently at Manchester United. He said, “Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the best nowadays. But for me the best of all is Brazilian Ronaldo Luiz Nazario da Lima.”

“I met him when my uncle [Miguel Angel Nadal] was playing for Barcelona and I can say he was fantastic, he is a wonderful guy.” The Brazilian Ronaldo is a retired footballer often regarded as the greatest striker of all time. During his playing days, the Brazilian received three FIFA World player of the year titles and two Ballon d’Or awards.

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Further, speaking of the team for which the former World no.1 roots for. It’s the 14-time champions of Europe, Real Madrid. In fact, before his fourth round clash with the Canadian, Felix Auger-Aliassime at Roland Garros, he prioritized Real Madrid’s Champions League final against Liverpool over practice.

Nadal’s campaign in the US Open ends in disappointment

The 2022 Australian and French Open champion, after incurring a gruesome abdominal injury at Wimbledon, made a comeback in the US Open. However, the 50-day gap and limited warm-up matches has costed him his fifth title in America.

The 36-year-old started the Grand Salm by taking down the Australian young blood Rinky Hijikata in the opening round. Then he clashed with the former World no.9 Fabio Fognini and, despite losing the first set, advanced to the round of 32.

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Following that, Nadal claimed a straight set victory over Richard Gasquet to enter the second week of the tournament. Though in the round of last 16 he failed to outperform home favorite Frances Tiafoe and walked out of the tournament.