In a touching moment at the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards, tennis icon Rafael Nadal and his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, shared a warm embrace as they accepted the prestigious Laureus Sport for Good Award. The ceremony, held at the Palacio De Cibeles in Madrid, Spain, celebrated outstanding contributions to society through sports.
The Rafa Nadal Foundation, founded in 2014, focuses on the integration and social development of young people in Spain and India. By leveraging the power of sports and education, the foundation empowers vulnerable youth, providing them with equal opportunities to fulfill their potential. Core values such as team spirit, respect, and effort are instilled through sports programs.
Maria Francisca Perello, the director of the foundation, graciously accepted the award alongside her husband. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to Laureus and emphasized the foundation’s mission: “As Nelson Mandela said, sport has the power to change the world, and we believe in these words. It’s not only physical activity; it’s about education, integration, and social change.” Maria’s words resonated with the audience, highlighting the transformative impact of sports beyond the playing field.
The award recognizes the tireless efforts of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, which has positively impacted over 1,000 young lives in Spain and India. Through mentorship, education, and sports programs, the foundation aims to create a brighter future for disadvantaged youth.
As Rafael Nadal and Maria Francisca Perello stood together on the Laureus stage, their embrace symbolized not only their personal bond but also the unity of purpose in using sports as a force for good. The award serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people worldwide.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Currently ranked no.512, Nadal played his last match on the 17th of April when he surrendered to world no.11 Alex De Minaur 7-5 6-1 in the 2nd round in Barcelona (draw).
Until now, during this year Nadal has a compiled 3-2 record.
Rafael Nadal will come up against Darwin Blanch in the 1st round. They have never competed against each other till now in top tournaments.
Nadal won 92 titles in his career: 24 on hard courts, 63 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia) on the 8th of May and French Open (French Open) on the 26th of May.