In an emotional announcement that shocked the world of tennis and others, Rafael Nadal and his wife, María Francisca Perelló, prepare himself to welcome their second daughter, a girl, who will be born this summer. The couple, known for their reserved lifestyle, surprised their fans by not only revealing the upcoming arrival, but also the extremely unique name they have chosen for their daughter, a name that, according to them, “is a tribute to our origin and our dreams.” The revelation unleashed a world weapon, because fans, celebrities and media deepen the meaning of the name and celebrated the growing legacy of the Nadal family.
The news jumped on social networks when María Francisca, lovingly known as Mery, shared an unusual look at her private life in an enthusiastic publication by Instagram. The photo showed the couple in a quiet beach in Mallorca, with Nadal embracing his wife with a protective gesture while they smile radiantly. The text said: “Our hearts are full of hope while we wait for our daughter. His name is a tribute to our origin and our dreams.” The publication was accompanied by a handwritten note that revealed the name:State Mar, a poetic expression that means ‘star of the sea’.
The announcement comes less than three years after the birth of his first child, Rafael Nadal Jr., in October 2022. On the way his second son, the Nadal family is about to expand, and the choice of such a distinctive name has held fans who have admired the deep bond of the couple with their Spanish heritage.
The name Estrella Mar has aroused a great fascination for his lyrical beauty and cultural meaning. In Spanish, “Star” evokes the brightness of a star, symbol of hope and guide, while “Sea” reflects the sea, a nod to the Mediterranean waters around the beloved Mallorca. Sources close to the couple confirm that the name was chosen to honor their island roots and share the dreams of a brilliant future for their children.
“Star Mar is a name that reminds us at home,” said Nadal in a private family reunion, according to a family friend. “It is a tribute to our Mallorcan roots, where the sea and heaven have always inspired us, and our dream to see our daughter shine in their own way.” His uniqueness has generated comparisons with other names of celebrities of celebrities, but his fans claim that he stands out for his genuine authenticity.
The announcement unleashed a wave of love on social networks, and the #erestrellamar label was a global trend in X. Fans within a few hours flooded the publications of the pair with congratulations, many surprised by the poetic charm of the name. “Rafa and Mery always do things with so much grace! This name is perfect!” He wrote a fan. Another added: “Star Mar will be a star, just like her father!”
Other tennis stars also came to the parties. Roger Federer, friend and rival of Nadal for a long time, noticed: “What a beautiful name! Congratulations, Rafa and Mery!” Serena Williams published a Hartemoji with the message: “What a desire to meet Little Sea Star!” Even celebrities outside of tennis, such as the Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, joined the celebration and qualified the name ‘Absolutely magical’.
Nadal and Perelló, who married after 14 years in 2019, have always retained their private life in private life, which makes this public announcement even more important. Despite the worldwide fame of Nadal as 22 times Grand Slam champion, the couple led a discreet life in their hometown, Manacor, Mallorca. His decision to share the name of Estrella Mar before his birth, marks an unusual moment of frankness that fans have received as a gift.
The dedication of the couple is known to their family. Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, has often expressed his wish to prioritize paternity and his Rafa Nadal Academy. Perelló, philanthropist and director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, is the same dedicated to the shared values. “The family is our priority,” Nadal explained in an interview in 2024. “Every decision we make is focused on our children’s happiness.”
The arrival of Estrella Mar opens a new chapter in the legendary legacy of Nadal, which extends far beyond tennis instructions. Nicknamed the “King of the Wept Earth”, Nadal redefined the sport again with its relentless spirit and a record of 14 titles from the France open. Now a family man is ready to form the next generation with the same humility and passion that defined his career.
There is already a lot of speculation about whether Estrella Mar and his brother, Rafael Jr., will follow his father’s footsteps. Although Nadal has said that he will not force his children to devote himself to tennis, he hopes to introduce the values of hard work and respect. “I want them to find their own way, whatever it is,” he told the press last year.
While the world is waiting for the arrival of Estrella Mar, the announcement of the Nadal family fans reminded the power of love and inheritance. The name, with its heavenly and nautical symbology, offers a light of hope in these uncertain times. For Nadal and Perelló it is a deep personal choice that reflects his career as a few and his dreams for his daughter.
“Estrella Mar will relieve our lives,” he says, Perelló told his friends, words that reflect the feeling of millions. While the legend of tennis and his wife are preparing for his next adventure, the world looks ahead, ready to welcome a new star in the Nadal family.
