Rafael Nadal’s explosive family confrontation with Xisca Perelló for the adoption of Diogo Jota’s son in the midst of his tense pregnancy: “I can’t take this burden alone!” – A shocking dispute lights a world controversy.
The world of tennis and beyond are shocked by a deeply personal and controversial family dispute between Rafael Nadal and his wife, María Francisca “Xisca” Perelló, who has unleashed a world controversy. During the complicated second pregnancy of Perelló, the couple, as reported, had a heated discussion about his decision to consider the adoption of the newborn of the late star of Diogo Jota football, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025, along with his brother André Silva. Perelló’s emotional supplication, “I can’t take this load alone!”, Pronounced during the dispute, has caused a wave of public criticism, opinions found and an emotional debate. While fans deal with the bold decision of the couple, Nadal’s compassion legacy clashes with the complexities of his growing family, leaving the world captivated by this unprecedented saga.
The dispute came to light after the filtration of a conversation, reported by a close friend of the family to the magazineHello!On July 6, 2025. Nadal, 22 times Grand Slam champion who retired in November 2024, and Perelló, who was waiting for his second son by the end of the summer of 2025, were approached by representatives of the Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, who dealt with pain and financial uncertainty after the death of the footballer only 11 days after his wedding. Jota, a dear Liverpool FC star, left a newborn son, and Nadal, known for his philanthropy through the Rafa Nadal Foundation, supposedly felt the moral obligation to help. “Diogo was a champion and his son deserves a future,” Nadal supposedly said, proposing adoption as a way of honoring Jota’s legacy and supporting Rute.
Perelló, however, expressed his reserves, citing the physical and emotional wear of his high -risk pregnancy. According to Fuentes, he argued: “I cannot take this burden alone!”, Highlighting the tension of combining his little son, Rafael Jr., his health complications and the public scrutiny that would entail such a decision. The discussion, described as “tense but affectionate,” took place at his home in Mallorca, where Perelló emphasized the need to prioritize his immediate family. The filtration of this private moment unleashed a frenzy in X, and the #Nadaladotation label became a worldwide trend for July 7, 2025. The fans were divided: some praised Nadal’s generosity, and a user wrote: “Rafa’s heart is bigger than his Grand Slams!” Others put on Perelló side, arguing: “She is pregnant and stressed, let’s give him a break!”
Nadal’s discrete generosity history, as his recent donation from a dining room to an orphanage from Mallorca for 1200 children, promoted support for his adoption proposal. A reportof the Daily CataloniaFrom July 5, 2025, the couple’s joy highlighted when waiting for their second child, but Perelló’s pregnancy has been complicated by fatigue and medical concerns, turning the discussion about adoption into a high point. Jota’s tragic death in a Lamborghini accident near Zamora, Spain, confirmed byAP NewsyThe New York Times, added emotional weight, and Nadal, as reported, was moved by the emotional appearance of routing at the funeral, where he took the jota coffin untilThe Ave Mariathe sharp.
Critics in X accused Nadal of overreach. A user published: “Adopting Jota’s son is noble, but is it right now for Xisca?” Others defended him, citing his help in 2008 the victims of the floods of Manacor. Tenists like Roger Federer intervened, saying: “Rafa’s heart always guides him”, while Serena Williams urged fans to respect the couple’s privacy. The debate intensified when a reportdel Daily MailHe said Perelló felt “overwhelmed” by Nadal’s public image, which amplified criticism.
According to reports, Nadal sent a letter to Rute offering financial support for Jota’s son, regardless of the adoption outcome, a gesture that moved her to tears. “Rafa tries to do the right thing for everyone,” said a source toTennis Insider. Perelló, meanwhile, has been seen in his prenatal controls, focused on his health, according toThe country. The couple’s commitment to the family, evident in their joy for Rafael Jr., suggests that they will overcome this crisis together.
Before the worldwide look, the Nadal dispute underlines its humanity. Perelló’s plea reflects the maternal instinct, while Nadal’s compassion reflects his legacy. Whether or not they adopt the son of Jota, his story – crud, emotional and divisive – has reminded fans why they are appreciated beyond tennis, feeding the hope that love prevails in his growing family.
