‘Our Little Champion Has Stolen Our Hearts Forever’: Rafael Nadal’s Wife Xisca Perelló Unveils Newborn’s Stunning Photo, Igniting Social Media Frenzy and Dividing Tennis Fans

The tennis world, still reeling from Rafael Nadal’s retirement in October 2024, was set ablaze with emotion when his wife, Maria Francisca “Xisca” Perelló, introduced their second child to the world in July 2025. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Xisca shared a breathtaking photo of their newborn son, cradled in her arms against the backdrop of Mallorca’s serene coastline. Accompanying the image were eight tender words that captured the couple’s joy: “Our little champion has stolen our hearts forever.” The post, meant to celebrate a new chapter for the Nadal family, sparked a social media storm, drawing adoration from some fans and unexpected outrage from others, dividing the tennis community in a way few could have anticipated.

Xisca, known for her private nature despite her role as CEO of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, broke her usual reserve to share this intimate moment. The photo showed the newborn, whose name has not yet been revealed, swaddled in a soft white blanket, with Rafael’s gentle hand resting on his tiny head. The image radiated warmth, a testament to the couple’s deep bond after 19 years together and six years of marriage. Xisca’s caption, “Our little champion has stolen our hearts forever,” echoed Rafael’s own words about their first son, Rafael Junior, born in 2022, when he called him “my greatest victory.” The post was intended as a celebration of their growing family, but it quickly became a lightning rod for controversy.

Within hours, the photo went viral, amassing millions of likes and comments. Many fans were overjoyed, flooding the post with messages of congratulations. “A new Nadal to cheer for!” wrote one follower, while another gushed, “He’s already a champion like his dad!” The image, with its serene beauty and the couple’s evident love, resonated deeply with those who have followed Rafael’s journey from a 14-time French Open winner to a devoted family man. Xisca’s rare public moment, coupled with her heartfelt words, painted a picture of a family grounded in love despite the pressures of fame.

However, not all reactions were celebratory. A vocal segment of the tennis community expressed outrage, primarily over the timing and context of the announcement. Rafael’s retirement, announced just nine months prior, had left fans grappling with the end of an era. Some felt that Xisca’s post, coming so soon after such a monumental shift, overshadowed Rafael’s legacy. “Why now? Let Rafa’s career have its moment,” one fan tweeted, sparking a heated debate. Others criticized the use of “champion” in Xisca’s caption, arguing it placed undue pressure on the newborn to follow in his father’s footsteps. “He’s just a baby, not a tennis trophy!” read one comment, liked thousands of times. The backlash stunned observers, as what began as a joyful announcement morphed into a polarizing spectacle.

The controversy was further fueled by a small but vocal group who speculated about the Nadal family’s private dynamics, referencing unconfirmed rumors of past tensions between Xisca and Rafael’s mother, Ana María Parera. Though these rumors were largely debunked, they added fuel to the fire, with some fans accusing Xisca of seeking attention at a time when Rafael’s retirement should remain the focus. The tennis world, already divided by rivalries between fans of Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic, found itself split again, this time over a baby’s photo.

Xisca, undeterred by the criticism, has remained focused on her family. Sources close to the couple say the birth of their second child has brought Rafael and Xisca even closer, strengthening their resolve to shield their children from public scrutiny. Rafael, who has always prioritized family, was reportedly “over the moon” about the new addition. In a rare statement, he said, “Mery and our boys are my world. Nothing else matters.” The couple’s decision to share the photo was a deliberate act of joy, a way to include fans in a milestone after years of sharing Rafael’s triumphs on the court.

The Nadal family’s journey has not been without challenges. Xisca’s first pregnancy was fraught with complications, making the safe arrival of their second son even more meaningful. Her role at the Rafa Nadal Foundation, where she oversees programs for underprivileged youth, has also kept her grounded amidst the whirlwind of fame. The controversial photo, far from diminishing her resolve, has only highlighted her strength as a mother and partner.

As the dust settles, the tennis community is beginning to rally around the Nadals. Many fans have pushed back against the criticism, calling for respect for the couple’s personal joy. “Xisca and Rafa deserve this happiness,” one supporter wrote. The photo, with its raw beauty and Xisca’s heartfelt words, continues to circulate, reminding the world of the love that defines the Nadal family. Their “little champion,” already at the center of a global conversation, is a symbol of hope and renewal for a dynasty that has captivated hearts both on and off the court.