When Shakira Became A “Gypsy” For Rafael Nadal

As a tennis star, Rafael Nadal has cemented his position amongst the best in the world. With more than a decade of experience now, the Spaniard has 19 grand slams to his name.

However, his success on the court has also translated into commercial success. A popular and successful athlete is obviously a very marketable commodity. However, Nadal’s incredibly good looks meant that he had the extra something which the media was looking for.

One of the biggest endorsements for brand Nadal came in the year 2010. Rafa starred in a music video opposite Shakira – one of the most popular musicians of our time. In fact, the music video sparked so much interest that rumours of a budding romance between Rafa and the Colombian star began going around.

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Shakira becomes a “Gypsy” for Rafael Nadal

Shakira needed someone to play her love interest in her new music video “Gypsy”. Her search came to rest at one of the most prolific tennis stars of the time. Reportedly, the decision was made by Shakira in the year 2008. This was also the time when the two were spotted together multiple times leading to dating rumours. However, as things would turn out, it was about the video.

You might be wondering, why would Shakira go for Rafael Nadal among all the other options? In fact, Rafa wasn’t even a trained actor or model. Shakira explained the reason in an interview with the Daily Star –

“I thought that maybe I needed someone I could in some way identify with. And Rafael Nadal is a person who has been totally committed to his career since he was very young, since he was 17, I believe.”

Rafa was still in his early twenties when the video was released. He had proven to be the Achilles heel for Roger Federer, who looked undefeatable in the mid-2000s.

The video itself was very interesting. Rafa and Shakira had incredible chemistry with a shirtless Rafa giving some steamy shots. In fact, the video ended with a much-discussed kiss between the two stars.

Rafa would go on to reveal his craze for the Colombian pop star in 2018 –

“It was a new experience for me’, Nadal said. ‘A different experience from what I did normally.”

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“I just like Shakira. It was special for me, and a very good experience. Thanks very much to Shakira to think to do this with me. For me, it was a pleasure. She’s a very, very nice person.”

Since then the two have also shared a great bond. Rafa was seen dancing at a Shakira concert in 2018 in a viral video. Let’s hope that we all are lucky enough to witness another collaboration between Rafael Nadal and Shakira.