News of Rafael Nadal’s retirement from tennis spread across the fraternity like wildfire. Having stunned the tennis world with multiple ATP titles including a staggering 22 grand slams, Nadal in a video shared on his social media handles said, “Hello everyone. I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis.” Ever since then, possibilities surrounding his post-retirement plans have started taking shape. His uncle Toni Nadal, in a recent interview, talked about what the Spanish star could do following retirement.

Rafael Nadal has also cultivated a name for himself with his off-court ventures apart from clinching glory on the court. While being an avid fan of Real Madrid throughout his life, his uncle Toni suggested that he might be open to working as a director, should the opportunity come.

“If they offer him the position of director of Madrid, he will surely say yes. He likes football, but he doesn’t understand why my team, which is Barça, touches it, passes it… He has his life focused, he has an academy and he will get more involved,” said Toni Nadal. Rafael Nadal, on other occasions, has also suggested about possibility of him being the president of the club one day.

Aside from soccer, Rafael Nadal has several other paths he could explore. Coaching is one option, and with his vast experience, he could become a successful professional tennis coach. Additionally, he already has a sound foundation with his tennis academy, which Toni believes he will become “more involved” with once his playing career wraps up.

Rafael is also an entrepreneur. He could further expand his ventures, such as E1 sports (Team Rafa), his chain of hotels, and other business interests. With his passion for sports and business, Nadal’s post-retirement plans seem to involve familiar and exciting new territories. While the whole world joined hands to celebrate Rafael Nadal’s career as a professional tennis player, his favorite club, Real Madrid, and a few soccer stars also joined hands to pay a heartfelt tribute to the star.

Real Madrid pay heartfelt tribute to Rafael Nadal following his tennis retirement

Following Rafael Nadal’s announcement of his retirement after the Davis Cup in November 2024, Real Madrid, its President Florentino Pérez, and the Board of Directors expressed their admiration. Nadal, a lifelong fan and honorary member of the club, has been hailed as one of the greatest Spanish sporting stars. Pérez said, “Rafa Nadal is a source of pride for our country and an example of the core values of sport.”

Real Madrid also highlighted his Davis Cup wins and Olympic medals, along with his qualities of humility and respect. The club thanked Nadal for spreading their values globally and wished him and his family the best in the next phase of their lives. Several former club stars and legends of the game, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos, and former captain Sergio Ramos, also penned their heartfelt messages to the legend.

As Nadal bids adieu to the sport, possibilities surrounding his next career steps still plague the tennis world. However, the answer to this is still unknown. What according to you, could be his next steps? Do let us know in the comments below!