Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal, newly named Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca by King Felipe VI. Credit : Facebook – Rafa Nadal
It’s not every day a tennis legend trades his headband for a marquis’s crown, but that’s exactly what’s just happened in Spain. For the first time since he took the throne eleven years ago, King Felipe VI has dusted off one of the monarchy’s oldest traditions—handing out new noble titles. And leading the pack? None other than Rafael Nadal, the pride of Mallorca and one of the greatest athletes Spain has ever produced.
You heard right: the man who made Roland-Garros his second home is now officially the Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca. The announcement came as part of a special royal honours list released on June 19, celebrating the king’s anniversary with a bang. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get knighted in Spain these days, apparently, being a global sports icon and a top-notch ambassador for your homeland does the trick.
From the tennis court to nobility: Nadal’s newest win
Rafa Nadal might be used to holding up trophies, but now he’s got something even rarer—a title no one else has ever had. The Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca is a brand-new honour, tailor-made for the tennis star, and it’s named after the beautiful part of the Balearic Islands where he grew up. Not a bad way to mark your retirement, is it?
Felipe VI praised Nadal—and the five other honourees, as ‘examples of excellence’ who make Spain proud. It’s a big statement and a big gesture, but anyone who’s seen Nadal play or met him off-court knows he’s the real deal: humble, passionate, and always flying the Spanish flag.
There’s another bonus, too: Nadal gets to create his own coat of arms, and when he’s no longer around, the title passes to his eldest son, Rafael Junior. Yes, the legacy is set in stone—or maybe in marble.
A Royal connection: Nadal and the spanish monarchy
If you follow Spanish celebrity circles, you’ll know that Rafa and the royals go way back. It was King Juan Carlos I who first spotted his talent, and over the years, Nadal’s become a familiar face at royal gatherings and even private family holidays in the Balearics. It’s a friendship built on mutual respect—and probably a bit of healthy competition at the dinner table!
Who else made the list? A mix of icons
Nadal isn’t the only new marquis in town. The honours list also included Jaime Alfonsín, who’s been by the king’s side for years as his private secretary (he’s now also a Grandee of Spain, which is as fancy as it sounds); Luz Casal, the iconic singer; Carlos López Otín, a pioneering scientist; Teresa Perales, the paralympic swimming superstar; and Cristina García Rodero, an award-winning photographer.
It’s a who’s-who of Spanish talent, and each one represents the modern face of Spanish excellence—arts, science, public service, and, of course, sport.
What’s it like to be a Marquis in 2025?
So, what does a marquis actually do these days? Don’t expect Nadal to start wearing a feathered hat or riding a white horse through the streets of Manacor. Modern Spanish nobility is much more about setting an example than throwing fancy balls. These new titles are a nod to people who represent the very best of Spain—on the world stage, in their communities, and in the stories they tell about the country.
It’s a far cry from the old days of kings and castles, but it’s a tradition that still means a lot to Spaniards—and gives the rest of us something to talk about over coffee.
What’s next for Rafael Nadal as Spain’s new marquis?
With his new marquis title, Rafael Nadal is starting a new chapter, and you can bet he’ll take it just as seriously as his tennis. For now, he hasn’t made a fuss about it on social media, but if you’re anywhere near Mallorca, don’t be surprised if you see a little more spring in his step.
One thing’s for sure: whether he’s holding a racket or a royal decree, Nadal remains a symbol of Spanish pride and resilience. As for King Felipe, this new batch of marquises sets a precedent—honouring the people who help put Spain on the map for all the right reasons.
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