In Pictures: Rafael Nadal and sister Maribel make an appearance at Real Madrid's Champions League clash vs Liverpool days after emotional farewell
Rafael Nadal, accompanied by his sister Maribel, attended the recent UEFA Champions League encounter between Real Madrid and Liverpool played at Anfield, Liverpool's home stadium. This public appearance was one of Nadal's first since he retired from tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.
The former World No. 1 and 22-time Major winner featured in singles action in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. However, he suffered a loss to the Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp, which ultimately proved significant as Spain crashed out of the international team tennis event. He was then given an emotional send-off, with the legendary Spaniard also delivering an emotional farewell speech.
On Wednesday, November 27, Nadal and sister Maribel were captured by cameras at Anfield, the home of English soccer giants Liverpool. The brother-sister duo were there to support Real Madrid, one of their favorite soccer teams. Check out some of the pictures featuring the Spaniard and his sister following the match below:
Unfortunately, the match didn't turn out the way he would have wanted it to, as Real Madrid conceded two goals and were unable to score. Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister and Codey Gakpo were the difference makers on the night, as the Argentine and the Dutchman scored the decisive second-half goals.
As things stand, Liverpool has opened up a two-point lead at the top of the UEFA Champions League group stage standings. Real Madrid, meanwhile, is languishing in 24th place, having lost three of its opening five matches in the prestigious continental competition.
Recently, there were talks about Nadal potentially running to become the Real Madrid president. The legendary Spaniard's uncle and former coach Toni shared his opinion on the subject.
Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni weighed in on nephew potentially running for Real Madrid presidency
Nadal's uncle Toni recently suggested that despite rumors linking his nephew to the Real Madrid president role, the latter would not consider it as long as Florentino Perez remains at the helm. Toni's admission came during an interview with Marca.
"I am totally convinced that Rafael would not stand up to Florentino Pérez because he is very happy with his management," Toni told Marca. (translated from Spanish)
In a 2023 interview with Movistar, the former World No. 1 had himself opined that as things stand, Perez is the "best possible president" that Real Madrid could have.
"I think I’d like to (become Real Madrid president). But there are many factors. Right now, there’s nothing to say because we have the best possible president," Nadal told Movistar in 2023.
Nadal leaves tennis as the men's game's second-most Grand Slam title winner in singles, with his record of 14 French Open titles widely regarded as one that is likely to never be bettered.