Watch: Old video of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic facing off in a penalty shootout resurfaces in light of Spain's loss at FIFA World Cup
Rafael Nadal's Spain were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, as the team was stunned by Morocco in a penalty shootout. After Spain's horrid showing in the shootout, where they missed all three penalties they took, an old video surfaced on social media where Nadal was seen taking accurate penalty kicks in a shootout against his great rival Novak Djokovic.
Back in 2013, the two tennis legends were hosted by Argentine soccer powerhouse Boca Juniors at the Alberto Jose Armando Stadium in Buenos Aires. Fans in the stadium had a fun day as they caught the league game between Boca Juniors and All Boys and also saw Nadal and Djokovic take some penalty kicks.
The Spaniard exacted revenge for his 2013 ATP Finals loss to Djokovic by winning the shootout 3-1, taking his penalties with pinpoint accuracy.
Rafa would’ve been better at penalties than the Spanish team 😂🎾⚽️ https://t.co/1XzeB91n9Z
Rafael Nadal was an avid soccer player in his younger days, and has always had a natural flair for the sport. His uncle Miguel Angel Nadal played for Spanish giants FC Barcelona back in the day, and Rafa accompanied him to matches on many occasions as a kid.
The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion grew up supporting Barcelona's biggest rivals Real Madrid. His achievements in tennis helped bring him closer to his favorite soccer club, as he was awarded honorary membership at Real Madrid a few years ago.
Earlier this season, Nadal was even invited to take the honorary kickoff at one of Real Madrid's home games at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He was keenly following Spain's 2022 FIFA World Cup match against Morocco on Tuesday, and even took to Instagram to express his support for the team.
Real Madrid presidency in store for Rafael Nadal in the future?
Rafael Nadal has reportedly emerged as a top candidate to take over from Real Madrid club president Florentino Perez when he steps down. While Perez has not declared any plans to leave the club in the near future, it is believed that he has the Spanish tennis legend in mind as an ideal successor, as first reported by Sport.
Perez spoke about the possibility in the past, when the Spaniard was made the club's ambassador and honorary member.
“Nadal would be a magnificent choice for the presidency of Real Madrid," Perez once said.
The 14-time French Open champion could also be open to such a move in the future, as he once suggested when asked about the possibility of a Real Madrid presidency.
“If you ask me if I want to be President of Real Madrid my answer would be nothing more than positive," he said.
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