Rafael Nadal Surprised Sergio Ramos With His Soccer Skills, Got Him a Nickname “Rafadinho”
Rafael Nadal is the famous 22-time Grand Slam winner known for his spectacular gameplay, especially on clay courts. The 37-year-old has spent 209 weeks at the top of the ranking. He has also finished as the year-end World No. 1 five times. The Spaniard, known for his left-handed technique in tennis, is equally good at other sports. Whether it is golf or soccer, Rafa is spectacular in the realm of sport.
Nadal grew up an avid football fan. Although he had opportunities to turn his hobby into a career, he chose a different path. Having played many exhibition and charity soccer games, his talent in the sport has become known to many. He has also been compared to legendary names like Ronaldinho.
Nice throwback: Rafael Nadal scores a double hat-trick in a football match that included Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas ???????? pic.twitter.com/qskKT8bOCv
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) July 9, 2023
One such instance to prove his testimony for the great caliber he shares for soccer as well as a match he played with legends like Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos in 2008. Rafael Nadal along with other legendary players, which included names like Fernando Alonso and Sergio Garcia, got together for a charity match conducted by Red Cross in 2008.
In the video, Nadal is seen dominating the soccer pitch. He scored three goals to achieve a hat-trick against the world-cup-winning goalie, Casillas. Nadal who can be seen challenging world-class professional players and playing as if it is a part of his everyday routine left fans worldwide astonished.
Fans shared heartwarming reactions on Twitter:
Nice throwback: Rafael Nadal scores a double hat-trick in a football match that included Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas ???????? pic.twitter.com/qskKT8bOCv
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) July 9, 2023
Nice throwback: Rafael Nadal scores a double hat-trick in a football match that included Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas ???????? pic.twitter.com/qskKT8bOCv
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) July 9, 2023
Rafa has always been a fan favorite, whether it is tennis or soccer, he is definitely one of the greatest players no matter what the sport is.
Which soccer team does Rafael Nadal support?
Belonging to a country that has its roots engraved in soccer, Rafa has always been a Real Madrid fan. His family also has a professional history with the sport, with his uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal, who played for Barcelona before returning to their hometown, Mallorca.
Rafa told Corriere della Sera, “My dad and all my family have always been Real Madrid fans, When my uncle played for Barcelona, they obviously encouraged him. Later he returned to Mallorca and since then we have been divided: some are still Barcelona fans, others Real Madrid.”
The Spaniard has always had an undeniable passion for soccer ever since he was a kid. He has mentioned the same in his autobiography, ‘My Story,’ His love for the sport is no secret to the world and his fans. On several occasions, Nadal has voiced his desire to become the president of Real Madrid someday. He still remains an avid follower of the sport both on and off the pitch when he is not playing tennis professionally.
???? Congratulations! 2️⃣1️⃣
???? VAMOS, @RafaelNadal! ???? #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/fQ5LL0ItMn— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) January 30, 2022
He stated in his autobiography, “Football was my passion as a child, and remains so today. I can be at a tournament in Australia or Bangkok, and if there is a big Real Madrid game on TV at five in the morning, I’ll wake up to watch it – even, sometimes, if I have a match on later that day.”
Rafa who has a stellar record in tennis seems to have a similar knack for football as well. The legend also nicknamed, ‘Bull,’ is currently not participating in Wimbledon following his injury.
