Rafael Nadal gets highly prestigious honour from King of Spain that his kids will inherit

Rafael Nadal has been given a prestigious honour by the King of Spain which will also be handed down to his children. The former tennis star is arguably Spain's greatest athlete, winning Grand Slam titles on 22 occasions before retiring last year. He also earned two Olympic gold medals and was dubbed the king of clay for his incredible record at the French Open, which he won 14 times.

Last month, Nadal was commemorated at Roland Garros with a lasting tribute to his incredible legacy. A plaque bearing his footprint was unveiled on Court Philippe-Chatrier and will be a permanent fixture on the famous red clay. Now, he has been officially recognised for his sporting prowess by the King of Spain.

Nadal was granted an aristocratic title on Thursday, with the 39-year-old meeting King Felipe VI to mark the occasion. He will be known as the Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca, chosen for the Spanish island where he was born and still resides.

The title is hereditary, meaning it can be inherited by his children. Nadal and his wife Mery Francisca Perello already have a two-year-old boy named Rafael Nadal Jr. Earlier this year, they announced they were expecting their second child.

Nadal was not the only athlete to receive a special title, with Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales also being honoured in the same way. Pop singer Luz Casal, meanwhile, was bestowed with a title of her own.

In a statement, the palace said: "They are a source of pride for Spain and a permanent reference point for values that should inspire our society."

An aristocratic title is more symbolic than in years gone by, when it represented a deed of land. In the case of Nadal, it serves to recognise his immense contribution to Spain through sporting excellence on the world stage.

Nadal was previously recognised with the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports, which he accepted back in 2008. He also received the Camino Real Award, presented by the University of Alcala, in 2022.

On that occasion, the King thanked Nadal for being one of Spain's 'best ambassadors' and praised his role in enhancing the country's global image.

"[Nadal is] a new link in an excellent chain of Spaniards who, due to their admirable and outstanding work, contribute to promoting and disseminating the best image of Spain," he said.

"Through their efforts, Nadal and previous winners of this award transmit the most authentic and positive attitude, not only in the sports arena.

"The manner in which Nadal dazzles countless followers has led him to be one of the best ambassadors that our country can have, and for that I wish to thank him."