Curious about Rafael Nadal wife and their love story? Maria Francisca Perello, known as Xisca, has been a big part of the tennis legend’s life. This blog uncovers her journey from childhood to becoming Nadal’s partner through marriage and parenthood.
Keep reading to learn more about her life and their incredible bond.
Key Takeaways
- Maria Francisca Perello, also known as Mery or Xisca, grew up in Mallorca and met Rafael Nadal at 19 through his sister. They began dating in 2005 and married in October 2019 after more than a decade together.
- She is the CEO of the Rafa Nadal Foundation since 2019. The foundation helps children through sports and education in Spain and India.
- In October 2022, Maria and Rafael welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Rafael Jr., marking a joyful milestone.
- Maria prefers keeping her life private but supports Nadal quietly during matches, including his farewell game in 2024 alongside their son.
- Their story shows love built on patience, trust, and shared values while balancing fame with family priorities.
Rafael Nadal Wife: Who is Maria Francisca Perello?
Rafael Nadal wife, Maria Francisca Perello, often called Mery by loved ones, grew up on the sunny island of Mallorca. She is best known as the wife of Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal and plays a key role in his foundation.
Early life and connection to Rafael Nadal
Born in Mallorca, Spain, Maria Francisca Perelló lived a quiet life before meeting Rafael Nadal. She grew up on the Balearic Islands, surrounded by scenic beauty and calm waters. At 19, she crossed paths with Nadal, who was just 17 at the time.
They first met through his sister María Isabel Nadal.
Their bond deepened as they shared childhood memories and local traditions. By 2005, they began dating quietly despite the growing spotlight on Rafael’s tennis career. While he rose to fame as a Spanish tennis star dominating clay courts like Roland Garros, their connection stayed strong over nearly two decades of love and trust.
Her role as the director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation
Rafael Nadal wife, Maria Francisca Perello became part of the Rafa Nadal Foundation in April 2012. The foundation focuses on helping children through sports and education, especially those facing hard times.
By November 2019, she stepped up as its CEO. Her leadership drives programs across Spain and India that promote learning, teamwork, and healthy activities for kids.
Under her guidance, the foundation launched impactful projects like after-school classes and tennis programs for underprivileged youth. These efforts create opportunities for better futures while building character through sport.
This role reflects her strong commitment to supporting others—a value shared with Rafael Nadal since their early days together.
Relationship Journey of Nadal and Perello
Their love story began when she was 17, and he was 19. Over the years, their bond grew stronger, leading to a beautiful marriage filled with love and loyalty.
From childhood sweethearts to marriage in 2019
Rafael Nadal and Maria Francisca Perello first met in school. He was 19, and she was just 17 when they began dating in 2005. Their love grew steadily over the years.
After a decade together, Rafael proposed during a vacation in Rome. On October 19, 2019, the couple tied the knot at La Fortaleza in Mallorca. The ceremony included family and close friends, keeping it intimate yet memorable.
Welcoming their son in 2022
The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, on October 8, 2022. This joyful event came just months after Nadal announced the pregnancy news in June that year. Their son was born shortly after an emotional tennis moment for Nadal—a match with Roger Federer.
Named Rafael like his father, their baby boy brought happiness to the family. The arrival marked a fresh chapter in “Rafael Nadal and wife” Maria’s journey together since marrying in 2019.
Rafael Nadal wife, Maria’s private nature shines even brighter as she steps into life as a mother while balancing her roles with Fundación Rafa Nadal.
Life Beyond Tennis
Rafael Nadal wife, Maria prefers to keep her life quiet, away from the spotlight. Yet, she stands by Rafa’s side, offering strength during his ups and downs.
Maria’s private nature and occasional public appearances
Mery prefers to keep her life out of the spotlight. She rarely attends Nadal’s matches, saying it helps him stay focused. Her quiet nature contrasts with the fame surrounding Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion.
She stepped onto the Australian Open scene only three times by 2020. During Wimbledon in 2022, she cheered as Rafa won against Taylor Fritz in a tough quarterfinal match. In his final match in 2024, she stood proudly with their son, who was just 19 months old then.
Supporting Nadal through his tennis career and retirement
Rafael Nadal wife, Maria Francisca Perello stood by Rafael Nadal through thick and thin. From the grueling ATP Masters 1000 tournaments to his final match, she was always there. During matches, she often cheered quietly but stayed a solid presence for him.
At his last singles game, she wore beige chinos with a camel sleeveless cardigan—a simple yet elegant look that mirrored her support.
Their son Rafa Jr., dressed in pale green chinos and cream sneakers, attended this emotional farewell too. Nadal thanked Maria in a heartfelt retirement video for their 19 years together.
He even rented houses instead of hotels during tournaments to prioritize family time. These small acts show how deeply their bond shaped his career and life off the tennis court.
Takeaways
Rafael Nadal and Maria Francisca Perello share a story full of love, support, and patience. From childhood sweethearts to proud parents, their bond is inspiring. While Nadal smashed records on the court, Mery stood as his steady rock behind the scenes.
Their journey shows that true partnership goes beyond fame or trophies. Together, they’ve built a life rooted in trust and shared purpose.
FAQs
1. Who is Rafael Nadal’s wife, Maria Francisca Perello?
Maria Francisca Perello, often called Mery, is the wife of Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal. She works as a key figure in the Fundacion Rafa Nadal and serves on its board of trustees.
2. When did Rafael Nadal and Maria Francisca Perello get married?
Rafael Nadal and Maria tied the knot in October 2019 after dating for many years. They first met when he was 19, and she was 17.
3. Do Rafael Nadal and Maria have children?
Yes, the couple welcomed their son Rafael in late 2022. It marked an exciting new chapter for both parents.
4. What role does Maria play in Rafa’s life outside tennis?
Maria has been a steady presence throughout his career. While staying away from most red carpet events like SAG Awards or Laureus World Sports Awards, she supports him privately with unwavering energy.
5. How does Maria handle life alongside a global tennis legend?
She keeps her personal life low-key despite being married to one of the Big Three (tennis). Her focus remains on family, professional duties at Fundacion Rafa Nadal, and supporting Rafa during major tournaments like Wimbledon or French Open.
6. Did marriage change anything about Rafael’s career?
Marriage didn’t slow him down! Even after tying the knot with Mery or welcoming their baby boy into Majorcan family roots—he kept competing fiercely against rivals like Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz while claiming Grand Slam titles year after year!
